A regional daily is calling for tougher sentences for dangerous drivers as part of a new campaign.

The Press, York, has launched its ‘Road to Justice’ campaign, which urges the Government to re-write sentencing guidelines for drivers who kill or seriously injure others.

Press senior reporter Alex Ross was inspired to come up with the campaign after covering the sentencing of Steven Briddon at York Crown Court.

Briddon, 28, was given 32 months and a driving ban of four years and four months after hitting moped rider Linda Atkinson, leaving her close to death on a life support machine for three weeks.

He hit Ms Atkinson at 31mph as she waited at traffic lights, but had been travelling at 60mph and overtaken three taxis moments before the crash – leaving him unable to slow down in time to stop.

Alex tracked Linda down and interviewed her for the campaign, which was launched earlier this month.

He said: “The judge was as tough as he could be on Briddon, but sentencing guidelines meant he could only give him a 32 month prison term and ban him from driving for four years and four months.

“I felt a sense of injustice for the family, and especially Linda who had been left requiring 24 hour care through no fault of her own. She was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“After weeks of tracking her down, I eventually met Linda and spoke to her about the campaign. She was keen to support it and we launched it this week with her blessing and the backing of other families who have found themselves in similar situations when they leave court.

“We want the Government to listen to the families and re-write sentencing guidelines.”

As part of the campaign, The Press will be sharing the stories of other families affected by the actions of reckless drivers on its patch’s roads.