Boy's hit-and-run death prompts 20mph-limit call

An MP has backed calls to impose a 20mph speed limit on a road where a 12-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run crash.

Keaton Slater was fatally injured when he was struck by a BMW on Radford Road, Coventry, on his way home from school, in June.

His parents, Louise and Clint Slater, and Coventry North West MP Taiwo Owatemi have launched a petition urging the city council to improve safety on the road.

The Labour representative said the speed limit and other traffic calming measures, such as a pedestrian crossing, could save lives.

Owatemi said: "It's a difficult time [for Keaton's family], because Christmas brings memories and this will be the first without Keaton.

"Their priority is making sure that no family has to go through what they're going through this Christmas."

She referred to data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, which shows there is only a 2.5% chance of collisions involving a pedestrian and a car that is travelling at 20mph, being fatal.

This compares to a 20% chance for vehicles driving at 30mph, Owatemi says.

Asked about some of the criticism of the 20mph limit, she said: "I'm a car driver myself, but for me it's important that anyone driving on the road is aware and driving safely.

"This is what's in the best interests of everyone's wellbeing."

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