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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Drivers in Fort Simpson are being warned to keep a closer eye on their speedometers and the posted speed limits, especially in school zones.

With school about to begin in the village, members of the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment are starting a campaign against speeding in the school zones.

Members of the Fort Simpson RCMP detachment including Const. Trent Hayward are cracking down on speeding in school zones. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"Every year we have lots of people complaining about the speed through school zones," said Const. Trent Hayward.

People tend to forget that the speed limit of 30 km/h in the zones applies 24 hours a day even if the schools are closed, Hayward said. Many people also don't realize the extent of the school zone.

The zone starts on the main street at the sign across from the recreation centre and lasts to the corner of the Thomas Simpson school's field and also down 100 Avenue. The zone is also on Antoine Drive behind the schools stretching between the turnoff to the golf course and Elephant Park.

The RCMP started the campaign on Aug. 15. In one hour, Hayward gave out more than 25 warnings to people driving too fast along the main street.

"A lot of people were surprised," Hayward said.

Many drivers were doing 45 km/h or more in the zone.

"We're just trying to give everyone a chance for a heads up," he said.

After the warnings on Friday , RCMP started to hand out tickets to offending drivers.

The tickets are being given under the village bylaw. This means that drivers won't get demerit points and the ticket money will go back to the village, said Hayward.

Driving 15 km/h or less over the speed limit warrants a $75 fine, which increases to $100 for driving between 16 and 30 km/h over.

Speeding 31 to 50 km/h over means a $125 ticket and anything more than 50km/h over the limit means an automatic court appearance.

In addition to enforcing the speed limit in the school zones, the RCMP is also planning to do more check-stops and speed checks on the highway, said Hayward.

The enforcement campaign is a good idea, said Mayor Duncan Canvin.

"People have to be extra vigilant in the school zones," Canvin said.

Similar campaigns are conducted in communities around the country when school starts, he said.

Canvin said drivers need to remember to slow down because younger children who are eager to get to school generally aren't as good about looking both ways before they dash across the street.