Killer drivers could be given life sentences under rules that come into force this week.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act will allow judges to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill or careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The current regime only allows a maximum penalty of 14 years.

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.”

The change comes into effect on Tuesday.

It will also create a new offence – causing serious injury by careless driving, which will be aimed at those who inflict long-term or permanent injury on others.

Terrorists to be kept in separate prisons to stop them recruiting inmates

Ukraine war: Raab in The Hague to offer UK’s help to prosecute Russian war crimes

Ukraine invasion: Conflict sparked by Russian invasion could last ‘months, if not years’, deputy PM Dominic Raab warns

Also, new rules will allow judges to grant people with hearing loss the support of sign language interpreters during jury deliberations.

Previously, only the 12 sworn jurors were allowed to go into a deliberation room, effectively preventing people with hearing loss from participating.

Mr Raab added: “The right to be judged by your peers dates back to Magna Carta, and is a cornerstone of our justice system.

“We’re changing the law so that many more deaf people have the opportunity to carry out this important civic duty.”

Related posts:

Internationally renowned choreographer Liam Scarlett dies aged 35 European super league plans set to be announced – six English teams involved Gary Neville calls for points deduction for clubs over European super league plans UEFA cancels some Euro 2020 ballot tickets – but expensive hospitality packages still available Croydon tram driver may have been in ‘microsleep’ at time of fatal crash, inquest hears Mentally stimulating jobs could lower the risk of dementia, research says ‘You hope it won’t happen to you’: Football legend Denis Law reveals he has dementia Boy, nine, killed in suspected hit-and-run van crash ‘A true legend’: Tributes pour in for Jimmy Greaves No ‘hard, fast guarantees’ for Christmas, says Raab as he warns Britons to be ‘careful and cautious’ What COVID challenges do we face before the ‘end’ of pandemic – and when could that be? Rape victim in Turkey told to ‘carry on and enjoy your holiday’ by Foreign Office