Jail for careless drivers who kill

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The Ministry of Justice announced that the long-awaited new measures - designed to plug a hole in current legislation - will be brought in on Monday.

The new offence of causing death by careless driving will carry up to five years' imprisonment.

It toughens the penalties for motorists who kill because they were "avoidably distracted", which could include calling or texting on a mobile phone, drinking or eating, adjusting a satellite navigation system or car stereo, applying make-up or reading a map.

However, under guidance for judges published by the Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC) last month, drivers convicted of the offence - even in the medium category of seriousness - could escape with a community sentence.

Another new offence will come into force on Monday which penalises uninsured, disqualified or unlicensed drivers who kill, carrying up to two years' imprisonment.

The Ministry of Justice said it expected about 150 motorists a year to be jailed after being convicted of the "death by careless" offence, and about five a year for the "uninsured" offence.

Under previous laws, the maximum punishment faced for similar crimes was a £5,000 fine and points on your licence.

Justice minister Maria Eagle said: "Drivers who kill through carelessness will no longer be able to walk away from court with just a fine.

"Neither should uninsured or unlicensed drivers who deliberately flout the law. Driving requires full concentration at all times. A moment's distraction can make the difference between life and death."