DRIVERS who cause death by speeding, racing or using mobile phones could now face life in prison, after the maximum sentence was increased from 14 years following a campaign led by MP Claire Perry.

The Devizes MP became involved in the campaign following the death of James Gilbey, 25, the son of Upavon couple Major Richard Gilbey and wife Angela who was killed on a pedestrian crossing when a speeding car hit him.

The young man was killed in Leeds after being knocked over as two men raced their cars up to speeds of 90 mph on the 40mph stretch of road. They were both given eight year sentences but under current guidelines will only serve half of that term.

Mrs Perry spearheaded a national consultation on dangerous driving sentences which received 9,000 respondents, with 70 per cent wanting to see maximum penalties increased to life.

Following the consultation, the Government has announced that maximum sentences will be increased from 14 years to life, giving judges the power to hand down tougher punishments for the driving crimes.

Commenting on this announcement, Mrs Perry said:“I’m so pleased that tougher sentences for the worst driving offences will soon be introduced. I have campaigned alongside Major Gilbey for the past year for this change, and it is great that the government has confirmed that it is determined to act.

"Nothing will bring James back but a change in the law that puts the worst cases of this crime on a level with manslaughter is a step towards achieving Justice for James and his family.”

Major Richard Gilbey said:“James’ death was a life sentence for my family and I, and I hope that tougher jail sentences will act as a real deterrent to dangerous drivers so that other families do not suffer as we have.

"My thanks go to Claire for her support and her tireless work in helping to make the case so strongly in Parliament for changes to the law.”

The maximum sentence for death by driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs was also raised from 14 years to life, making both offences now equivalent to manslaughter.

A new offence of causing injury by careless driving was back by 90 per cent of respondents who took part in the consultation between 5 December 2016 until 1 February 2017. The sentence for this offence is yet to be decided.