Yellowknife (Sep 01/04) - Slow down -- city bylaw officers and RCMP are out in force to catch drivers speeding through school zones.

Yellowknife Catholic Schools students return to classes today. Classes resume at Yellowknife Education District No. 1 schools Thursday.

"We'll do enforcement in every school zone," said Doug Gillard, head of the city's bylaw enforcement department.

"For the start of school, we have full shifts with three officers on in the morning and three in the afternoon."

Patrols will focus on school zones in the morning, at lunch and after school, he said.

"(School speed limits) are enforceable 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Gillard said his officers continued enforcing the speed limits throughout the summer and issued "numerous" tickets.

Still, he said, drivers are more aware than ever of the need to slow down in front of schools.

"I've been here 12 years and things are much better."

Franklin Avenue in front of Mildred Hall elementary school continues to be the top trouble spot.

"It has the highest volume of traffic and is the site of most pedestrian accidents."

Other areas are catching up.

Range Lake Road at Ecole St. Joseph school and N.J. Macpherson are also bad spots for speeders.

Franklin Avenue congestion is also causing a ripple effect elsewhere, especially in front of J.H. Sissons elementary, said Gillard.

"More people are using Forrest Drive as an alternate route into downtown."

Sarah Berry, assistant principal, has taught at Sissons for 20 years. More than 220 students are expected to attend Sissons this year.

"It's a narrow road, but the drivers are vigilant for the most part," she said.