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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Department of Transportation has increased penalties and fines on driving infractions in the territory.

As of Oct. 1, fines for speeding through a school or construction zone have doubled, according to Earl Blacklock, manager of public affairs with the department. Fines vary according to speed.

Fines for drivers caught behind the wheel without a valid licence will triple increasing to $300 from $100.

"It's not a penalty for forgetting your licence, it's for not having a valid license," Blacklock said.

The steepest fine is aimed at drivers on the road who do not have insurance, with an increase to $1,700 from $500 plus a victim surcharge that adds up to $1,955.

Blacklock said it took roughly a month to get the new fines in place.

"The final recommendation went to the minister in September," he said, adding fines were increased to ensure the punishment fits the crime.

"Whenever we review our legislation we want to make sure we are accomplishing what we want," he said. "We had to consider what the appropriate penalty should be."