A NORTH-EAST MP is leading a call to clampdown on drivers who kill from behind the wheel.

Durham City MP Gerry Steinberg said drivers should face tougher punishments to stop them getting away with "murder in motor cars".

The Labour backbencher attacked his own Government's refusal to introduce a new offence of causing death or serious injury by negligent driving.

It is argued the change is badly needed to prevent killer drivers avoiding jail if - as is often the case - it is impossible to prove that they were guilty of driving dangerously.

Speaking during a debate on the Road Safety Bill, Mr Steinberg said: "It's like being allowed to do what you like with a gun.

"It is about time it was recognised that virtually every MP wants something doing about these people who break the law and murder our constituents in motor cars."

At present, the offence of careless driving covers everything from reading a newspaper at the wheel to turning into a minor road and colliding with a pedestrian.

But Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said Labour had raised the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving to 14 years, with a further review under way.

Mr Darling also came under fire for the Bill's proposals to give speeding motorists only two penalty points - rather than three - if they are caught travelling up to 39mph in a 30mph zone.