ROAD safety campaigners in Dorset are today claiming a victory in the battle to serve tougher penalties on drivers who kill.

The Government has amended its road safety bill to create a new offence of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving with a penalty of up to five years in jail.

Another offence of causing death by driving when unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured with a maximum sentence of two years in prison is also being proposed.

The measures come after South Dorset MP Jim Knight led a campaign to secure justice for the families of three Dorset teenagers - Claire Clements, from Weymouth, Antony Wakelin, from Wool, and Tom Dowdney, from Weymouth - who were killed in separate road accidents.

In the case of Claire, driver Mark Grindley was banned from the road for six months and fined £500.

Motorist James Boffey received a two-year driving disqualification and £200 fine after his car struck cyclist Antony at the beginning of 2003.

He admitted driving without due care and attention, having no insurance or driving licence.

Tom died aged 18 in a crash on the Weymouth to Portesham Road in October 2003.

Mr Knight said: "I am delighted for the families I have been representing, who have shown great strength and courage throughout this campaign.

"The families of Antony Wakelin, Tom Dowdney and Claire Clements wanted

justice for the future and I hope today's news gives them encouragement that the Government will fulfil its promise.

"There has been immense support across south Dorset and beyond for the law to be changed. The Government spent time consulting with the public and there is clearly significant support for a change in the law.

He added: "These new offences will go a long way to making drivers like James Boffey, who knocked down Antony Wakelin, think twice about getting into a car.

"In this case, if these offences had been in place the Crown Prosecution Service would have had the capability to bring a more serious charge and the family of Antony Wakelin would have no doubt got the justice they deserve."

The new offences are expected to become law next year.