OTLEY-based MP Greg Mulholland is urging the Government to act swiftly to improve the country's criminal driving law.

Mr Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) made the plea to Justice Secretary Michael Gove in the House of Commons last week.

A Government review of penalties for driving offences was announced in May, 2014.

But when Mr Mulholland met Mr Gove last month he was told a consultation document on the subject would not be released until later this year, with actual legislation not expected until 2017.

Mr Mulholland, who introduced his own bill on toughening the law for criminal driving offences in January, said: "I welcome the clear interest the Secretary of State has shown in this matter.

"The review of penalties for driving offences was announced on May 6, 2014 and it is vital we avoid any further delays.

"Proper justice for victims of criminal driving and their families should not be delayed, and I will continue to urge ministers to do what they can to expedite the process."

Replying to the Parliamentary question, Mr Gove thanked the Wharfedale MP for his "persistent and effective" campaigning, and said his department would give a response to the call for changes "in due course".

Mr Mulholland's Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill, which will get its second reading in March, calls for a major shake-up in the criminal driving law, including:

l tougher penalties for offences that lead to serious injury or death

l an automatic driving ban to be added to the bail conditions for those who are charged; and

l improved standards of investigation by the police and courts.

The bill is backed by road safety charity Brake and the family of Otley teenager Jamie Still, who was killed by a drunk driver in December, 2010, aged 16.