"Many of them are caught by surprise," said Denver Police Officer Damon Landingham, referring to drivers who forget that school zone speed limits are in effect.

He says over the summer drivers become used to driving at regular speeds through school zones.

"We don't give warnings in school zones. We have a zero tolerance policy," he said.

Fines are doubled for speeding in school zones. Landingham says the ticket fees can reach $300.

Last week alone, 500 citations were issued in Denver school zones.

Many of the areas patrolled are those requested by parents and residents in the area who want a police presence in order to prevent drivers from speeding.

Landingham suggests that people who want to register complaints about speeders in specific school zones call their city council representative or dial the city's information number, 311.

(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)