A GOVERNMENT minister has pledged to take a new look at legislation surrounding sleep-deprived drivers after being lobbied by an East Yorkshire woman who is fighting for a change in the law.

Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said she would "look into the issues" for tired drivers after Pocklington widow Margitta Needham raised concerns during a York meeting.

Mrs Needham said she was still "enthusiastic and committed" to arguing for a clause to be inserted into dangerous driving laws to target motorists who kill while tired.

Her husband, Barry, was killed in the Selby Rail Crash - an accident caused by Gary Hart, whom a jury found to be sleep-deprived.

She wants to emulate New Jersey resident Carole McDonnell, who successfully campaigned for Maggie's Law, named after her daughter who was killed by a tired driver.

New legislation in the state promises a possible $100,000 fine and up to ten years in prison. The law may soon be applied throughout the United States.

Mrs Needham said she had recently met Mrs Flint during a Big Conversation event organised in York by city MP Hugh Bayley, which focused on road safety enforcement and penalties.

The meeting, which was also attended by York shadow transport spokeswoman, Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, talked about reactions to government policy on safety enforcement as well as ideas about how to make enforcement more effective.

Mrs Needham said: "The minister told me she would look into the issues surrounding sleep-deprived drivers and so I remain hopeful. I am still determined and I will do anything I can to make it happen."

Mr Bayley said: "The Minister heard some good ideas that she took back to London with her."

Updated: 09:26 Saturday, March 20, 2004