THE number of fines given out in Cumbria for being on the phone while driving has increased.

Cumbria Constabulary confirmed that 390 fines have been given out for the offence up to November 30 of this year, which is already 13 higher than the whole of last year.

A new report from GoCompare has found drivers are most likely to use their phone and cause an accident in December, despite stricter laws.

The study uses Freedom of Information data from police forces across the UK to find which areas are reporting the most police fines and accidents related to using a mobile whilst driving.

Although laws around using a mobile phone whilst driving have tightened, the number of mobile-related accidents has gone up from 231 in 2015 to 264 in 2019. The festive season holds the highest ranking for accidents throughout the year at 134 crashes. As well as placing second for the highest fines at £21,636 during the month of December.

These figures suggest that drivers need to be even more careful on the roads this Christmas, especially after months of not driving whilst in lockdown.

2019 data shows December was the worst month of the year for accidents where a mobile phone being used whilst driving was involved.

Current restrictions are still resulting in a high rate of accidents causing new legislation to come into effect from 2021.

This will ban the use of mobile phones when driving completely, including touching the screen to change music and use the Sat Nav.