Traffic fines have risen an average of 10% from Friday, despite protests, in line with plans announced earlier by justice minister Dilan Yesilgöz.

MPs, the Council of State advisory body and the public prosecution had called for a lower increase, arguing that such high fines are diminishing public support for the system. “The level of the fine should reflect the nature and severity of the traffic offence,” the Council of State said in a statement last year.

Yesilgöz told broadcaster RTL she would like to see smaller increases as well, but the expected income generated by the higher rates has already been incorporated into government spending plans. 

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. 

Dutch road safety organisation VVN told RTL that high fines are only effective if combined with proper enforcement. “Motorists need to be made aware of the consequences of their reckless driving,” said spokeswoman Willemijn Plomper. “That is the only way to really improve traffic safety.” 

If the fines had increased purely to reflect inflation they would have gone up by 6%, following an 8.6% rise this year.