THE Government has re-affirmed its commitment to tougher sentences for those caught breaking traffic laws and driving irresponsibly.

In a letter to Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, the Government’s Under Secretary of State for Transport, Andrew Jones, also reiterated his support for the Lancashire Telegraph’s “Stop the Madness” campaign - something he first backed in Parliament in November.

In the letter Mr Jones confirmed the Government will bring in tougher sentences in March for those caught using a mobile phone whilst driving and said they remain committed to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on UK roads.

As part of the plans for tougher sentences for those caught using mobile phones, the Government is also consulting on tougher sentences for drivers who kill while speeding or racing.

Mr Jones said: “It is heartening to hear about the road safety campaigns, such as the Lancashire Telegraph’s, that are being delivered at a local level. While the number of road casualties are at some of the lowest recorded levels, there were still 1,730 lives lost on our roads in 2015.

“That is why the Government takes road safety very seriously and why it is a manifesto commitment to continue to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. Any work that contributes to this reduction is highly valued.

“I would also like to highlight that the Government will be introducing tougher penalties for those caught using a mobile phone while driving. Legislation has been laid before Parliament and we plan for the new rules to start in March.”

The proposals for tougher sentences,under consultation until February, include: increasing the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life; increasing the maximum sentence for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to life; creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving with a maximum sentence of three years, and increasing minimum driving bans for those convicted of causing death.

Mr Stephenson added: “I think this letter is very encouraging and shows the Government remains committed to tackling dangerous and irresponsible driving. The Lancashire Telegraph’s campaign was an issue I first raised in Parliament in November and I am glad Mr Jones has now followed it up with this letter. I particularly welcome the consultation the Government has now got on tougher sentences for those driving dangerously on our roads.”