Motorists could face a life sentence if charged for causing a fatal accident

A road safety charity has welcomed plans to toughen sentences for drivers involved in fatal accidents.

Motorists who kill others on the road while speeding, using a mobile phone or racing could be set to face life sentences in prison.

The maximum penalty for the offences is set to be increased from 14 years in prison after a consultation showed substantial backing for the plans.

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for Brake, welcomed the proposals.

He said: "This announcement is a major victory for the families of victims and charities, including Brake, who have tirelessly campaigned for punishments which better fit road crimes that kill and seriously injure people.

"We applaud the government for at last recognising that the statute books have been weighed against thousands of families who have had their lives torn apart through the actions of drivers who have flagrantly broken the law.”

As part of the plans, offenders who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs will also face life sentences, and a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving will be created.

Last year, 191 people were killed on Scotland’s roads – with 41 convictions for death by dangerous driving in Scotland in 2015/16.

Brake has called for police cuts across the UK to be halted in order to prevent further increases in serious accidents.

Wakeford added: "In addition to tougher penalties, the government must also make road policing a national priority, reversing savage cuts to front line resources so that laws are properly enforced in the first place.

“Figures released only last month reveal that almost 1,800 people were killed on British roads last year – a 4% rise since 2015.

“There is an urgent need for a road collision investigation branch, similar to those already in existence for air, rail and sea, so that lessons can be learned to prevent future deaths and serious injuries on the roads."