Justice Secretary Liz Truss has praised a regional publisher’s campaign to get tougher sentences for dangerous drivers.

Johnston Press launched its group-wide Drive for Justice campaign last month, spearheaded by its newly-formed central investigations team.

The team is made up of five journalists from JP’s largest regional dailies, as well as the i’s Cahal Milmo and group editorial design director Tim Robinson.

Among the aims of the campaign, JP wants the government to re-work sentencing guidelines to give the worst offenders tougher sentences, have all culpable deaths treated as manslaughter and see more and longer driving bans handed out to those who kill or seriously injure others on the roads.

Ms Truss, pictured above left, has backed the bid after the Ministry of Justice announced killer drivers may face life sentences.

A public consultation has been announced on the proposal.

In a statement issued to all JP titles, Ms Truss said: “[Johnston Press newspapers] have tirelessly campaigned on this important issue – calling for tougher sentences for those who drive dangerously and kill on our roads.

“Nothing can compensate for the death of a loved one but the government wants to make sure the punishment fits the crime.”

Nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition run by JP since the campaign’s launch.