These revised guidelines included the ability to give the sentence of life imprisonment to those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Ross Moorlock, Brake’s interim CEO, said: “We welcome these changes as it now begins to reflect the seriousness of the charge. Through Brake’s National Road Victim Service, we know the shock and devastation felt by families, friends, communities of those killed in road crashes.

“Every road crash is preventable. Hopefully these new sentencing guidelines will deter people from driving too fast, driving dangerously, and driving when they have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.

“Driving is a privilege, not a right, and those who show a disregard for the law shouldn’t be allowed to endanger others.”

Read the Sentencing Council's announcement on their website.