Police crack down on speeding near Ringling Bridge

Motorists crossing Ringling Bridge from either St. Armands Circle or downtown Sarasota may have noticed new digital signs along the roadside cautioning them to watch their speed.

Sarasota Police Department and the town of Longboat Key are cracking down on speeding in the area.

The department said in response to questions that officers would be rotating the signs throughout the city to encourage safe driving.

Chief Communications Officer Genevieve Judge noted in an email that slowing down saves lives.

"Lower speeds mean drivers can stop quicker, avoid crashes and possibly reduce the severity of injuries if a crash does happen," she wrote.

She said the department has received several complaints. Officers recently cited one motorcyclist for going 60 mph in the 35 mph zone across the bridge.

"The operator was cited for reckless driving, speeding and obscuring the license plate," she explained.

Officers use both laser- and radar-based devices to measure a driver's speed.

Judge said traffic and pedestrian use will likely start rising again soon as the weather improves, and it is imperative that people drive safely in the area.

"By slowing down and driving the speed limit, drivers can help everyone if they are in a car, on a bike or on foot, to stay safe," she said.