LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Fort Simpson RCMP will be cracking down on underage ATV drivers after numerous complaints of reckless driving.

The issue was raised at Fort Simpson village council's Sept. 8 meeting. RCMP detachment commander Ron Prangnell was at council to discuss the complaints and Prangnell said bylaw enforcement could be stepped up.

"I don't see a problem with us stepping up enforcement of these municipal bylaws," said Prangnell, adding the RCMP would need the community members behind them in order for the enforcement to be successful.

"The bylaw indicates that we can (lay charges) with information obtained secondhand, we just need reasonable probable grounds to lay a charge," said Prangnell.

"Police don't have to catch you committing (the crime) - anybody can report the offence to the police and we can investigate that way."

Canvin said young people under 16, the legal age to drive an ATV, are not yet responsible enough to be in control of a motor vehicle.

Prangnell said he has seen many reckless ATV drivers speeding through town, even right in front of the detachment office. Although he can't be sure all reckless drivers are underage, he can't chase them down to find out either.

"The problem we have with ATV enforcement is that, unless they stop for you, we're not going to create a high speed chase situation where there's going to be danger to life," said Prangnell, adding that it is the same situation for chasing reckless drivers of other motor vehicles.

One thing that Canvin, Hanna, and Prangnell agreed upon was that making sure children are kept off ATVs is largely the responsibility of the parents.

"It's got to be a parent's responsibility," said Prangnell.

"Also, the parents can be charged for their kids' unlawfulness."

Charges listed in the bylaw document, on the Fort Simpson website, say that the fines parents, or owners of the ATV, may face could be up to $1,000 or imprisonment under the bylaw.