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156 
Clampdown on dangerous driving
Page 8
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• Road safety campaign group Brake has welDomed the government's plans to increase the maximum penalty for causing death by driving from ten to 14 years.
Cathy Keeler, Brake's policy officer, says: "We are pleased that the government can be seen to take dangerous driving seriously. Knowing that tougher penalties will be issued dissuades drivers from taking risks and improves road safety."
Among the government's other recommendations in its response to the consultation on road traffic penalties is a two-tier fixed penalty system for speeding offences, This will enable the police to hand out fines higher than the current on-thespot £60 speeding penalty for more serious Dffenders. A Home Office spokesperson says that the Ithreshold' for what constitutes a 'serious offence' has not been set yet (for more on new speeding fine plans see page 12).
There will also be new community sentences or offences that do not carry a custodial penalty. Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth says: "Dangerous driving kills and those found guilty can expect to be severely punished. We need to ensure that the deterrent is adequate If we are to cut death and injuries."
• Drivers will also be able to 'buy back' points on their licence. Offenders with six penalty paints and those disqualified for at least 56 days will be able to attend a driver retraining programme. If successful they will earn remission of three points or 20% of the disqualification period.