MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Marana Police are increasing patrols in school zones this week.
Thanks to a grant from Governor's Office of Highway Safety, Marana PD is adding officers to areas of town where they have issues with speeding drivers. Up to six extra officers will be patrolling school zones along Silverbell Road, near Marana High School, and Marana Middle School.
Officers will also be focusing on Camino De Manana between Twin Peaks and Tangerine.
Officer Steven Bejarano says the traffic enforcement detail isn't about issuing citations, but educating drivers.
"It's not like we strive on issuing citations while you're speeding," Bejarano said. "We do want to education people to just be aware. We just want to keep it safe for the children."
In the town of Marana, speeding in a school zone could cost first-time offenders about $300, Bejarano said.
While there haven't been major traffic accidents in the school zones, Bejarano says during peak hours they could cite between 10 and 20 drivers.
Marana PD also encourages drivers to be aware of speed limits in school zones, crosswalks, and stop for school buses when lights and signs are displayed.
