Plans for tough new measures against dangerous drivers are due to be announced today.

Home Office minister Charles Clarke is expected to say he wants to see harsher prison sentences for drivers who kill people in crashes and more people disqualified for speeding and drink-driving.

The news is a boost for the Justice for Jeff campaign, which is calling for judges to be given increased sentencing powers for motorists who kill on the roads.

The campaign was launched after the man who mowed down Shoreham PC Jeff Tooley was jailed for seven years. John Heaton's sentence was reduced on appeal to five years.

Mr Clarke is also expected to detail a new punishment system for those who drive at more than 100mph as part of a consultation document.

The Government is expected to encourage the courts to make full use of its existing powers against dangerous drivers.

Drivers can currently be sentenced to up to ten years for causing death by dangerous driving. The maximum sentence for burglary is 14 years.

One proposal under consideration is a new police power to impound cars as punishment for those who drive while banned.

Other measures include a 'two-strikes' rule, banning drivers for up to ten years if they are involved in a second drink-driving or serious speeding offence.

Lifetime bans will be considered for drivers who break the law three times.