Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen joined today with Knox County School Interim Superintendent Roy Mullins in announcing back to school traffic enforcement efforts. Knox County students return to school on Thursday, August 9, 2007.

Chief Owen said district captains have been preparing special enforcement measures for each school within the Knoxville city limits. The department will carry out the specialized measures as students go to school and return home from school.

Chief Owen said, "Every school zone will see uniformed officers in marked vehicles patrolling the area. Officers will be aggressively enforcing the reduced speed limits within the designated school zones."

Patrol Units, Motor Units, and School Resource Officers will be utilized to help remind motorists to reduce their speed. The department's efforts will continue for several weeks into the new school year.

Chief Owen said, "Children are our most precious resource. We must do everything possible to protect the leaders of tomorrow and we ask for the community's help by slowing down and watching out for our children."

Motorists who are cited for speeding within a school zone can expect to pay fines of up to $147.25. The State of Tennessee could also post four to eight "points" on the driver's personal record. Accumulation of twelve points can result in the suspension of driving privileges in Tennessee.

Interim Superintendent Mullins said, "We appreciate the help of the Knoxville Police department as we start back to school. Student safety is our number one priority and I know it is also a number one concern for Chief Owen."

"As we begin this new school year, traffic at many of our schools will be a challenge. I encourage parents to give themselves a little extra time for the first few weeks of school. We will do all we can to help mitigate or alleviate traffic issues, but nothing goes so far to help as a few extra minutes," said Mullins.

"We join with Superintendent Mullins in urging motorists to slow down and exercise patience as children anxiously return for an exciting new school year," Chief Owen concluded.