UK drivers appear to be committing significantly more driving offences overseas than three years ago, with investigation rates rising 12-fold since 2014.

The surge in applications by foreign prosecutors seeking to bring British drivers to justice was recorded by data supplier Thompson Reuters.

Only 138 applications were made by overseas prosecutors in 2014, rising to 1,625 in 2016. This is based on Home Office data obtained through a Freedom of Information request.

Among the most common offences were running red lights and breaching speed limits. It is not clear, however, how many of these prosecutions have led to charges.

Thompson Reuters has suggested the massive increase is down to new EU laws permitting the sharing of driver details across countries in the bloc.

Drivers can now be prosecuted for alleged motoring offences carried out abroad once they return home, by way of a communication system called Mutual Legal Advice (MLA).

Eight serious offences are included in the program, including drink- and drug-driving, and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

The new EU legislation means those who commit driving offences in other EU countries will find it tougher to evade justice.

However, the UK's impending exit from the European Union may affect how such details are shared. But as with many aspects of the Brexit negotiations, it is not clear exactly how such government information sharing systems will be changed.