Ministers have set out new proposals to crack down on drivers who cause fatal accidents.

The plans are intended to close a loophole in the law that allows some people who kill on the road to escape with only a fine.

Currently, anyone who kills someone in a driving accident can be jailed only if convicted of manslaughter or causing death by dangerous driving.

Home Office minister Baroness Scotland said: "If you were chatting away on your mobile and not looking where you were going, or eating a sandwich at the time, and you kill somebody it is very hard for the person whose family member is dead to be told you were just being careless and thoughtless."