The number of mobile phones, drink and drug driving and seat belt offences have all reached new highs across Lancashire, as numbers have continued to rise after the pandemic. 

A Freedom of Information request submitted to Lancashire Police revealed a monthly average of crime meant this year was likely to see more offences than any other year.

Mobile phone use penalties in Lancashire have almost tripled since 2021 - largely down to legislation announced in 2022.

More than 850 mobile phone offences had occurred in the first seven months of this year, up to August 1, and if offences continue at this rate, they are expected to hit 1,467 – 500 more than last year’s figures.

In 2021, only 394 incidents occurred across the whole year, but the introduction of new legislation led to 894 incidents being recorded a year later.

New laws made not just taking phone calls illegal but holding a mobile phone while driving, and including both touching and swiping the screen.

Whilst the impact of the Covid pandemic significantly affected people’s travel behaviour, 2024 levels remain almost double that of those in 2019, when 457 fixed penalty notices were issued.

The number of penalty points issued for the offence rose to six.

Drink and drug driving offences are also on course to topple previous year’s figures with more than 1,600 already committed this year an average of 230 a month.

Figures post-pandemic have remained around the 2,600 mark but if the pattern for this year continues it will likely surpass 2,750.

In July, Lancashire Police launched a new scheme to use intelligence to target repeat drink and drug drivers, as part of Operation Village.

With support from the Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, they were able to dedicate more hours and specialist equipment to be devoted to the operation.

Speaking about the operation earlier this year, Grunshaw said: "Drink and drug driving are unacceptable and anyone who selfishly puts other road users' lives at risk should feel the full force of the law. 

"Targeted operations like this are a great tool in making Lancashire's road safer and deterring drivers from getting behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs. 

"Our message to drink and drug drivers is clear – get help or get caught. Don't be the reason for someone else or yourself becoming a casualty on our roads." 

Seat belt offences are also expected to topple the total from the last two years with numbers already reaching 1,148 an average of 164 offences per month.

In 2022 and 2023 figures reached 1,583 and 1,225 respectively an average of 131 and 102 offences a month.

New AI technology being utilised on Devon and Cornwall roads has caught 2,000 people not wearing their seatbelts between July and August, with a £500 fine issued to all offenders nationally.  

Lancashire Police have been contacted for comment.