Back to school Monday, road traffic to increase | People

Polk County, Florida-- Sheriff Grady Judd anticipates a major increase in early morning traffic this coming Monday, as children throughout the county head to their first day of the '12-'13 school year.

Bikers, walkers, cars and buses will flood sidewalks and roadways.

In an effort to get drivers to obey speed limits and safety laws, Sheriff Judd reminds that "fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of our children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.”

He also sent out a list of fines associated with school zone and school bus driving violations:

• 1-5 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $154.00 fine (in a regular zone: warning)
• 6-9 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $154.00 fine (in a regular zone: $129.00)
• 10-14 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $304.00 fine (in a regular zone: $204.00)
• 15-19 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $404.00 fine (in a regular zone: $254.00)
• 20-29 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $454.00 fine (in a regular zone: $279.00)
• 30-49 MPH over the speed limit in a school zone: $604.00 fine (in a regular zone: $354.00)
• Failing to stop for a stopped school bus with its lights flashing: $269.00;
• Passing a stopped school bus with its lights flashing: $369.00 and mandatory court hearing

Drive safely, keep an eye out for pedestrians and leave plenty of time to get where you're going!