BRIGHOUSE-based road safety charity, Brake, has praised new rules, which come into force today, meaning anyone convicted of causing death by driving while disqualified will face a maximum of ten years in prison, a 500 per cent increase.

Drivers convicted of the new offence of causing serious injury by driving while disqualified will face up to four years in prison.

A wider review of all driving offences and charges is ongoing.

Ed Morrow, campaigns officer for Brake, said: “It is entirely right that maximum sentences are being increased, and we hope that judges will make use of them where appropriate.

“This is a good first step to securing better justice for victims and families, many of whom have been left feeling betrayed by inappropriate charges and paltry sentences. There are a number of other urgent issues with how the justice system handles cases of criminal driving, and .

"Brake will be pressuring whoever forms the next government to follow the current Ministry of Justice review through to a satisfactory conclusion.”