The number of traffic fines handed out in the Netherlands is back above pre-coronavirus levels, the government’s collection agency Centraal Justitieel Incassobureau said on Thursday.

Last year the police handed out almost 8.5 million fines, and that is up 100,000 on the pre-pandemic year of 2019. 

Most of the fines – 6.5 million – were given for speeding offences. Parking offences and going through red lights were in second and third place. 

Licence plate recognition technology was used to identify most of the motorists, but some 620,000 people were fined after being stopped by the police. 

In total, 130,000 fines were given to motorists who were driving in areas where they were banned, such as low emissions zones and car-free streets. Some 200,000 people were also fined for using their phones while driving.

Traffic fines rose by an average of 10% March 1. The fine for driving through a red light is rising from €280 to €300, while motorists caught on their phones behind the wheel face a €420 fine, plus €9 in administration fees.