Motorists who kill while driving are set to receive life sentences under new plans put forwards by ministers.
Under the plans – which are currently open for consultation – those who cause death by dangerous driving, such as speeding, racing or while on the phone, could face the same sentences as those who are charged with manslaughter while not on the road.
The maximum sentence for those who commit manslaughter is life.
The Ministry of Justice also wants to hand those who cause death by careless driving after drinking or using drugs life sentences – up from the current limit of 14 years.
The average life sentence before an early release hearing is 15 years.
According to the Government, the average sentence for those who caused death by dangerous driving was three years and nine months in 2015.
“Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses,” said justice minister Sam Gyimah.
“While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime. My message is clear – if you drive and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”
The consultation runs until 1 February 2016 and can be found here.
