A government review is to examine the case for updating laws on road traffic offences.

It follows the case of six-year old Rebecca Sawyer, who was killed on New Year's eve when her family's car was involved in a crash with Ian Carr, who received a nine-and-a-half year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving.

It was later revealed that Carr had 89 previous driving offences and was banned from driving for life.

First announced in May, the review will be led by John Halliday, a former head of criminal justice policy at the Home Office, and will examine offences covered by the Road Traffic Act of 1988 - which include causing death by dangerous driving, road rage offences and those relating to car theft.

"The impact of serious bad driving is often underestimated," said Home Office minister Baroness Scotland.

"This kind of crime can be devastated for victims and their families and a significant threat to the security and general well-being of our communities.

"It is vital that the criminal justice system reflects the needs of the victims of these crimes as much as it provides for the trial and sentencing of offenders.

"I am confident that the review will formulate thorough, sensible and, if necessary, radical proposals for change in this crucially important area."