Marked, unmarked police cars part of new downtown speed limit enforcement

The main issue, and general consensus of public input, was that there were not enough speed limit signs in the downtown corridor, (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Motorists driving through Rochester's downtown this weekend can expect to see an increased police presence as they seek to enforce a reduced speed limit that was recently enacted.
Rochester Police Support Commander and Public Information Officer Andrew Swanberry said police would have both marked and unmarked units in the newly reduced speed limit area.
The former speed limit of 35 miles was reduced to 25 mph throughout the downtown corridor, with additional signs erected to alert the public.
"When appropriate, officers will seek to educate people on the change while everyone becomes accustomed to the change," added Swanberry.
According to Rochester Police Chief Gary Boudreau, the speed limit was changed due to concerns raised by residents, pedestrians, and downtown business owners.
One business owner, who attended a recent public safety committee meeting, told members that utilizing crosswalks can be dangerous at times, stating that pedestrians struggle to cross safely due to the speed of oncoming traffic.
The main issue, and general consensus of public input, was that there were not enough speed limit signs in the downtown corridor, with one of the closest being located in the area of Burger King on North Main Street.
"We had several people come to committee meetings, advocating for additional signs and a lower speed limit," said Boudreau. "We've found that although most motorists follow the speed limit, there are enough outliers to warrant a speed limit reduction and additional signs."
Boudreau said the Department of Public Works recently placed 25 mph signs at all major arteries of downtown.
"We want to make sure motorists are aware of the new signs and the speed limit reduction," said Boudreau. "25 mph is the appropriate speed for a downtown area with several crosswalks. We've had tragedies at crosswalks in the past and it's up to all of us to drive safely and keep pedestrians in mind, especially in high-density areas."