INUVIK - The town has embarked on a "traffic sting" operation that will zero in on delinquent drivers in the downtown core.

Dez Loreen, town bylaw officer, said the main problem exists on Mackenzie Road with drivers making left turns between Berger Street and Kingmingya Road intersections, which can seriously impede traffic during rush hours and the busy tourism season.

Dez Loreen, town bylaw officer, will be on the lookout for delinquent drivers as the town cracks down on traffic infractions in Inuvik's downtown core. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

"It's a common thing, and I've been guilty of doing it because it's just as simple as taking a left hand turn," he said. "But it's a danger, especially to other drivers reversing out of a parking space and trying to contend with oncoming traffic. So when you add up all the elements, it's easy for a collision to occur."

Offenders will be fined $50, but he said warnings will be issued to first time violators.

With the heavier traffic season, Loreen said the town has made an extra effort to get the word out to both residents and tourists, adding the town has gotten some written complaints from residents about the situation.

Loreen admits the road signs are small and the town is considering making larger ones.

Warning notices will be posted around town as well as on the rolling channel.

"We want to avoid giving people fines, but at the same time we have to educate them that those habits are dangerous," said Loreen. If you are taking a left hand turn and somebody hits you, you can be found at fault. A lot of people genuinely aren't aware of that."

Loreen said disabled parking infractions have become a growing problem as well, with the spaces often being used by able-bodied people. Such offenders will be fined $100 without being issued a warning.

He said vehicles should always keep disabled parking stickers visible.

The town's two bylaw officers will also be on the lookout for bicyclists without helmets, who will be issued $25 fines.

They are also teaming up with the RCMP to enforce the curfews for residents 15 years old or younger, which are 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays and weekends respectively. Fines will be issued to parents after the first warning.

Loreen said he anticipates the number of traffic infractions will fall significantly as the town educates the public.

"We just want people to know that there is bylaw enforcement and that we're trying to do this for the good of everyone," he said. "We're trying to keep a close eye on the community."