As students head back to school, drivers are being reminded to pay attention to their speed in school zones.

Marysville police are conducting emphasis patrols near schools to look for speeders. Police and traffic unit officers plan to deter speeding by increasing their presence in school zones for the first several weeks of school. Marysville schools opened September 8.

Where police presence doesn't stop speeders, a ticket may, said Lt. Jeff Goldman, because fines are higher in school zones for traffic violations than elsewhere. Fines start at $189 for going 1-5 miles over the posted 20-mph speed limit, and can reach as high as $784 for 35 mph or more.

The 20 mph speed limit applies on school days regardless of whether students are present.

Local police are also warning drivers to be extra cautious near Marysville Middle School and Liberty Elementary, where the city is completing sidewalk improvements funded through a state "safe routes to schools" grant.

Most Marysville school zones are marked with alternating amber flashing lights attached to a sign that reads, "School speed limit 20 mph when light are flashing or when children are present." The city installed solar-powered flashing beacons at five elementary schools over two years in designated school zones, which extend 300 feet in either direction from marked crosswalks. City street crews will be installing flashing beacons at more schools in the near future.

"Emphasis patrols, coupled with flashing beacons, crosswalks and crossing guards, should give drivers more than enough notice to slow down when approaching schools, and ultimately reduce the risk of pedestrian and vehicle accidents," Goldman said.