ACPO lead on roads policing, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said: "The new penalties are absolutely necessary to deal with drivers who are putting people's lives at risk and police will not hesitate to enforce them.

"These measures should also act as a reminder to careless drivers that their behaviour will not be tolerated.

"The vast majority of drivers are law abiding, but some are still not getting the message. We said we would get tougher on those who make our roads dangerous and that is exactly what we have done."