Leniency of sentences has been a concern

The introduction of tougher sentences follows a number of high-profile controversies over punishments given to drivers who caused deaths on the roads.

In 2013, campaigners described as “scandalous” the punishment given to motorist Gary Mccourt who killed cyclist Audrey Fyfe, 75, in Edinburgh in August 2011.

The cyclist died two days after the collision on 11 August, 2011.

The Crown lost an appeal against Mccourt’s sentence after he was banned from the road for five years and ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service for driving a car without due care and attention.

Mccourt had previously been found guilty in 1986 of causing another cyclist’s death by reckless driving.