Yellowknife (May 16/03) - RCMP and municipal enforcement netted 309 people for traffic offences in Yellowknife during a three-day enforcement blitz.

According to Const. Brock Linaker from the RCMP traffic services, 198 of those were charged for not wearing seatbelts.

Another 70 were caught for speeding and 28 others for other traffic offences.

Police also arrested several people on outstanding warrants. One person was caught with open liquor in their vehicle and police issued a 24-hour roadside suspension.

Checkpoints were set up around Yellowknife to target bad drivers. Good drivers were rewarded.

These good drivers were issued "happy tickets" - gift certificates donated by McDonald's.

"We have five different target areas for National Road Safety Week: impaired driving, seat belt use, intersection, speeding and inattention. (Monday) was impaired driving," said Linaker with the traffic services from Hay River on Monday.

"We want to ensure driver responsibility and to make sure drivers take it seriously," said Linaker, who was in Yellowknife for the kick off to Road Safety Week.

On Monday, the RCMP and members of SADD had participated in small rallies across the city to promote road safety week and launch the eight-day campaign.

A mock accident involving the fire department was also set up. The rest of the week was dedicated to enforcement and rewards. The blitz will continue until Monday.