Dangerous drivers could face five years in prison

Motorists convicted of dangerous driving which seriously injures other people could face up to five years in prison under a new law being proposed by the Government. The Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, will announce plans today for an offence of "causing serious injury by dangerous driving".

The change, which will be included in the Government's Sentencing Bill, is designed to address concerns that the current two-year maximum sentence is not sufficient in cases where life-changing injuries are involved.

Mr Clarke said the current penalty gave the courts sufficient powers in the vast majority of cases, but there were instances when it was inadequate. "We have listened to the victims of dangerous drivers and their families, and their experiences have directly informed these changes."

Andrew Howard, the head of road safety at the AA, said: "Dangerous drivers should face the consequences of their actions. These law changes should make sentences more proportionate to the devastation dangerous driving causes."