DANGEROUS drivers will be locked up for longer and could face life sentences after the Government announced plans to review sentencing guidelines.

The announcement is a victory for The Press' The Road To Justice campaign, which called on ministers to change the way reckless motorists are sentenced when it was launched in October.


We told the heartbreaking stories of the victims and families who were left feeling a sense of injustice when they left the courtroom, and set out to change that.


The Government has today announced that killer drivers who are speeding, street racing or on a mobile phone will now face the same sentences as those charged with manslaughter.


Offenders who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could also be handed life sentences - an increase on the current 14 year upper limit.


The changes after consultation could include: 

•    Increasing the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life.
•    Increasing the maximum sentence for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to life.
•    Creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, with a maximum sentence of three years.
•    Increasing minimum driving bans for those convicted of causing death.

Linda Atkinson suffered brain injuries, a speech impediment and problems with the sight in her left eye when she was hit by Stephen Briddon, a speeding driver in St Maurice's Road, York, in October last year.


She was on a life support machine for three weeks and her partner now cares for her.


Lynn Brolly, Linda Atkinson's mother-in-law, said: "This is really good news.


"Linda and Billy have got a life sentence, but Briddon will be out in just over a year.


"It's unbelievable that he didn't get a longer sentence.


"He will be back out there soon enough and he will get his life back, but Linda won't.


"It has put a big strain on both of them but they are getting on with it."


Stephanie Hamilton's brother Sean was killed by a hit and run driver in 2009.


Sean, who was aged 10, was returning home from the cinema when he was killed in Holgate Road by John Patrick Smith, who was jailed for two and a half years.


"The reason it's made me and my family are happy is because we feel as though justice is finally being served," said Stephanie.


"If it ever happens to any other family at least they are going to get justice, the justice they deserve. 


"Hopefully this will make drivers realise what's will happen if they are reckless on the road."


Kevin Crick's son Robert died on the A64 two days before Christmas in 2014 when a driver pulled into the path of his motorbike.


He said: "This is good news.


"We are really pleased because the campaign is about getting justice for people who have lost loved ones.


"At the end of the day I never thought I had justice, but hopefully this means more families get justice in the future.


"It's coming up to two years since it happened and it's a lot more prevalent for me.


"It might not help me, but if it helps somebody else in a situation like we were then speaking has been worth while.


Justice Minister Sam Gyimah added: "Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses.


"While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.  


"My message is clear – if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”