The new Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 has come into force as of April 13th, meaning that judges now have the option to hand down significantly longer sentences for disqualified drivers who cause death by dangerous driving on the UK’s roads.

Previously, the maximum sentence in this scenario was two years, which has now risen to ten years. A new offence, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, has also been introduced. Those found guilty of this charge face up to four years in prison.

The new rules were welcomed by road safety charity Brake, which has campaigned for this change in the law. Brake’s campaigns officer Ed Morrow said: “This is a good first step to securing better justice for victims and families, many of whom have been left feeling betrayed by inappropriate charges and paltry sentences.”

A Ministry of Justice review into all driving offences and charges is still underway.