CALLS have been made for stiffer sentences for drink- drivers after several convicted motorists were named and shamed in the Echo.

For over a month, city mother Ali Morrish and the Echo have been highlighting the dangers and potentially tragic consequences of driving while over the limit.

Ali's daughter Anna, 21, was killed in a crash in 2008 after accepting a lift back from a party from someone who had been drinking.

As part of Anna's Campaign, the Echo published the photos and details of seven people convicted of drink driving in just one day at Exeter Magistrates' Court. The publication was to highlight the fact that while the campaign has received widespread support from throughout the community, the message for some people is still not getting through.

In response, readers have flooded our website, thisisexeter.co.uk, with calls for courts to impose much stiffer sentences on anyone caught drink-driving.

Jane, of Exeter, wrote: "You shouldn't be allowed to drink anything if you intend to drive. Lower the limit to absolute zero and bring in stiffer sentences for those caught and charge those guilty of causing death by drink- driving with murder."

John Norfolk, from Tiverton, wrote: "Perhaps legislation is needed to make any disqualification from driving permanent. That is, no retake of a driving test, but banned for life."

Mark Simmons-Jenkins, of Crediton, wrote: "I believe these people were lucky to be caught before they could cause more carnage on our roads — and have to live with the fact they caused someone else's death. I would impose far stiffer penalties to motorists who use their vehicles while under the influence of drink. Those causing death or injury should be charged with manslaughter or attempted manslaughter with very stiff jail sentences and lifetime bans from our roads."

Gemma Weeks, of St Thomas, said: "They should jail anyone who has been drinking and gets behind the wheel of a car."

Others outlined the risk of drivers trying to judge whether they were over the limit.

Reacting to the comments, Mrs Morrish said: "There is only one safe way: don't drink alcohol at all if you intend to drive."

Support of the Facebook page set up for Anna's Campaign is continuing to grow and it now has 1,750 members. To add your support visit www.thisisexeter.co.uk/annascampaign.