Niagara Regional Police are reminding motorists to slow down and be cautious near schools and in school zones, as thousands of children begin another school year and traffic increases.

The Back to School Traffic Safety Initiative is in effect at all school zones across Niagara.

NRP will be out in full force, taking a zero tolerance approach in school zones.

Sgt. Darrin Forbes says this is the 12th year for the initiative.

Forbes says, police are out there to keep the roads safe for children and to crack down on drivers who have a disregard for public safety.

Last year, cops handed out over 300 tickets.