N.W.T. triples fines for drivers who don't stop for school buses

Failing to stop for school bus in theNorthwest Territories could now land you with a$402 ticket, upfrom$115.

Effective April 1, the territory's Department of Transportation is hiking229 driving-relatedfines.

The increases include:

• Failing to wear a seatbelt: increased to $172from $115
• Runninga red light: to $172from$86
• Driving a car without registration: to $230from$115
• Failing to register a vehicle brought into the territory: to $115from $29
• Driving at night without lights: to $115 from $58.
• Careless driving: to $332from $115

"Simply put, we're looking to make the roads safer for motorists, pedestrians and other users of the highway system," said Greg Hanna, the department's communications co-ordinator.

"As these fines are increased, we're going to be conducting public awareness advertising during 2017 to educate the public and hopefully to reduce the number of incidents that happen on public roads and highways."

He says the fines aren't increasing because of an upswing in accidents. Rather the increase follows a routine review, he says.