Tough new penalties for illegal drivers who kill are needed to stop repeats of a Hove crash that killed two nursery nurses.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said current sentences were far too weak.

He has tabled a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to introduce increased penalties for people who drive illegally and maim or kill, and for drivers who fail to stop after an accident.

He was prompted into action after Graham Travers was jailed for five-and-a-half years following the Hove crash last October.

Vicki Browne, 19, of Bentham Road, Brighton, died along with Natalie "Flo" McCabe, 21, of Ravensbourne Road, Shoreham. Their friend Becky Fish, 20, of Mile Oak, was seriously injured and lost part of a leg.

Travers, 21, a barman, of Shelldale Road, Portslade, was over the alcohol limit and had no insurance or licence.

His sentence was attacked by the nurses' families as too lenient.

Miss McCabe's parents have collected more than 16,000 signatures for a petition calling for harsher sentences.

Mr Loughton said government figures estimate there are 1.25 million people driving without insurance and uninsured drivers involved in accidents were costing £500 million a year.

In addition, there are 1.75 million untaxed vehicles on Britain's roads. Research showed drivers of untaxed vehicles were nine times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Mr Loughton said: "These really are shocking statistics that prove more needs to be done by the Government to catch illegal drivers.

"Separate increased penalties need to be introduced for illegal drivers who maim or kill and particularly for those who fail to stop after accidents.

"The Government needs to send out a clear message that such irresponsible and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated. This is a matter close to many people's hearts and something must be done about it now."

Mr Loughton is requesting an Early Day Motion through Parliament before summer recess.