Yellowknife (Nov 29/04) - Yellowknife's Municipal Enforcement Division hit the trails Nov. 14, for the season's first snowmobile patrol. "Fifteen machines were dealt with," said Const. Doug Norrad.

Two people have been killed in snowmobile crashes in Yellowknife since 1992.

"We concentrate 100 per cent of our efforts in (urban areas) because that's in the immediate area of people," said Norrad. "We make sure riders obey the 30 km/h speed limit around residential areas, have proper registration, insurance, licence plates and working lights."

Registration must be renewed yearly with the city, at a cost of $25.

Norrad said municipal bylaw officers handed out 36 fines in 2003, including one ticket for $1,100 to someone caught doing 148 km/h in a 30 km/h zone.

"I believe it is the fastest speed we have on record," manager Doug Gillard said.