The number of fines imposed on Dutch drivers has increased by 160,000 in 2009, to 11.8 million, according to figures released by the public prosecutor's office.

On the whole, speeding remained at the same level. Instances of speeding fell on roads with camera observation, which prompt drivers to better respect maximum speeds. Radar surveys elsewhere, however, led to an increase in speeding tickets.

Police also increased checks on the use of cell phones while driving and on wearing seat belts. Last year 136,000 people were fined for not using a handsfree phone set in their car, which is a 20 percent increase on 2008.

Speed limit on Dutch motorway (Photo: FlickR/yozza)