Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has asked the Secretary of State for Justice if he plans to review sentencing for causing death by dangerous driving.

Chris Grayling said the current maximum sentence for the offence was 14 years imprisonment and he has asked the Sentencing Council to look at the guidelines “to ensure that the sentences imposed reflect the seriousness of the offending”.

He added that his department was “considering whether further changes might be necessary to strengthen the law”.

Annette (pictured right) said constituents who lost a close relative to a case of dangerous driving often felt the sentence imposed was inadequate.

She asked the Justice Secretary if he agreed that the outcome of a review “must make a difference to irresponsible driving and the subsequent loss of lives?”

Mr Grayling said he felt strongly that there should be a tougher approach to those who cause death or injury by dangerous driving while disqualified.

“Too often, it turns out that the people who commit such an offence have been disqualified again and again and do not have a licence when it happens.

“That is an area that I am keen to address,” he added.