Careless drivers who kill can now face a lifetime behind bars.

From Tuesday 28 June, judges will have the power to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill and careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The changes come as a result of reforms to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act.

Previously judges could only impose a maximum 14 year sentence.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said: “Too many lives have been lost to reckless behaviour behind the wheel, devastating families,”

“We have changed the law so that those responsible will now face the possibility of life behind bars.”