Speeders face fines of about $100 or more if their speed was really excessive. (CBC)

A crackdown on speeders in Charlottetown, which began in the fall of 2008, has led to a huge increase in the number of tickets issued for speeding and other traffic violations.

In September 2008 city police increased the number of officers on the street at any given time from six to ten, and those officers are expected to spend time focusing on traffic violations every day.

Sgt. Tom Clow told CBC News Thursday in addition to more tickets issued, there has been a difference in the number of serious accidents.

"Our major accidents have been reduced by 40 per cent in the year 2009, so that's significant. We're not talking about the fender benders and minor crashes we're talking about significant injury accidents," said Clow.

"[It's] a great statistic for us because it tells us that people are more aware that there's more police on the street and are following the rules."

Const. Mike Chaloner was working traffic detail on Riverside Dr. Thursday.

"Generally on a road like this, on average, I would say you can see people doing anywhere between 25 to 35 kilometers over the speed limit," said Chaloner.

Sgt. Tom Clow said police are welcoming tips from the public. (CBC)

Speeders end up with fines of about $100, or more if they are well over the limit. The excuses offered are predictable, and generally ineffective.

"[From] the speedometer's broken on the vehicle to they don't usually travel that road so they're not sure what the speed limit was," Chaloner said.

"Just generally being late for anything, any type of appointment or work."

Clow said police have also been working to follow up on tips coming in from the public, setting up patrols in problem areas.

"You're always going to get people out there that are going through stop signs or driving in an erratic manner, so we encourage the public to call us and when you call us we'll address that issue," he said.