Killer drivers could get life sentences under law reforms coming into effect this week.

Anyone found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving will face a maximum penalty of a life sentence instead of the current 14 years

The Police Crime and Sentencing Act 2022, which recently received royal assent, will create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving and will come into force on 28 June 2022 after years of waiting.

It means anyone found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving will face a maximum penalty of a life sentence instead of the current 14 years.

At the same time, a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving will also be created, bringing harsher sentences compared to the current system of fines, points and possible disqualification.

Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor 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 long-overdue move was first announced in October 2017 and unveiled by the Lord Chancellor in September 2020 as part of major sentencing reforms in a white paper.

Commenting on the latest news, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “People have been crystal clear that they support tougher sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving. While it’s frustrating it’s taken so long for the law change to take effect – five years in total – we hope a powerful message is now sent to anyone who drives recklessly that there’s a very real chance they will end up behind bars for life.”

Research previously carried out by the RAC has shown staunch driver support for the law reform.

Its survey of 2,800 drivers in autumn 2020 found the majority of drivers believe the current 14-year maximum is insufficient. A quarter (25%) said they believed maximum sentences should be increased to somewhere between 15 years and a life sentence, from the present maximum of 14 years. But four-in-10 (40%) thought courts should be able to go further and hand down a life sentence if they deem it appropriate. Only 16% felt the current maximum term was sufficient, while 18% were unsure whether it should be changed.