Paul Syrette is looking out for you

Starting next week, motorists speeding through Garden River will face larger fines, OPP and Anishinbek Police Service announced today.

They've introduced a Community Safety Zone there.

If you're caught speeding in the zone, you'll be charged under the Highway Traffic Act, but you'll face a significantly higher-than-usual fine.

Police services in Garden River will be enforcing the newly installed zone as of Monday, May 9.

The zone begins half a kilometer before the church in Garden River, where the speed limit drops from 80 to 70 kilometres an hour.

It ends where the 70 km/h speed limit is raised.

The Community Safety Zone has been passed through provincial legislation and is now officially recognized under the Highway Traffic Act.

Some example of raised fines include failure to yield, which before was a fine of $105. Under the Community Safety Zone, the fine is now $185.

A motorist speeding 20 km/h over the limit was once fined $100. Now, you'll pay $190.

Sgt. Wesley Moore of the Ontario Provincial Police, Sault Ste. Marie detachment, said there are 115 exits and entries throughout the Community Safety Zone stretch.

OPP and Garden River police are concerned for the safety of locals walking alongside the highway.

The safety zone is considered the downtown area of Garden River.

"It's like the Trans Canada Highway going through Bay Street," said Moore.

"Ninety percent of the violations are locals. Mostly from Blind River to Sault Ste. Marie."

"Certainly it's an added deterrent for people to slow down through the main area," Sgt. Paul Syrette (shown above) of the Anishinabek Police Service, Garden River Detachment. "We're hoping to make it a bit safer."

Throughout the busy summer months, Garden River Police will also be placing electronic speed readers along the side of Highway 17.

"We get a lot of positive comments from it. It's a very effective tool," said Syrette

Syrette said it's important for drivers to adhere to the newly enforced rules.

"Everybody walks around here. We're doing our best to slow the traffic down and keep it safe."