MP Rehman Chishti has welcomed the announcement that the government will be toughening driving sentences in line with his Private Members’ Bills.

Mr Chishti has presented a Bill in Parliament to increase the sentence for motorists who cause death whilst disqualified from driving. Currently the maximum sentence is two years.

The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced that the Government will be adopting this change and disqualified drivers will face prison sentences of up to 10 years if they cause a death on the roads.

The Government has also announced a review of all driving offences and penalties.

Mr Chishti has presented two Bills to tackle repeat driving offences, which should be included in the Government’s review.

"There has been an astonishing anomaly in the law" - MP Rehman Chishti

He introduced a Bill to allow increase the sentence for those caught multiple times for drink driving and driving whilst disqualified to two years.

Currently the maximum sentence they can receive is six months even if they have been caught three times or more.

Mr Chishti, MP for Gillingham and Rainham, said: “There has been an astonishing anomaly in the law that allows motorists, who continue to drive after having been disqualified, to face lenient sentences and put innocent lives at risk. These are people who have already been convicted and willfully choose to ignore the law and jeopardize road safety.

“The government’s announcement today that they will be toughening driving sentences in line with my proposals is a welcome move and will act as a real deterrent.

“The planned review of all driving offences will present an opportunity to ensure other issues, such as repeat offenders, are tackled and that our roads continue to be amongst the safest in the world.”