Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that an amendment will be made to the Criminal Justice Bill to increase the sentence for people who cause death by dangerous driving.

The maximum sentence for three driving offences leading to death and serious injury will be increased to 14 years in prison.

Alan Campbell welcomed the announcement saying:

""This change is long overdue. The recent past is littered with cases of people causing death by dangerous driving, often with previous convictions and often without a license or insurance. The sentences handed down have been laughable and many of my constituents have felt aggrieved. The government said it would act and we have done. Now it is up to the courts, if the change becomes law, to make use of these new sentencing powers and for offenders to stay in prison for a length of time which reflects the seriousness of the offence."