Linslade cat owner launches petition after three pets killed by speeding motorists on Springfield Road

A Linslade cat owner is urging Central Beds Council to install a speed camera or additional signs down Springfield Road after her pet was hit and killed by a reckless motorist.
By Jo Gravett
Published 7th Aug 2020, 14:13 BST
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Amelia Stranger, 24, lost her 11-month-old cat, Fern, on July 15 as she was struck by a vehicle which was suspected to have been driving at 60 or 70mph - in a 20mph area.

Amelia told the LBO that two other cats have died on the road this year alone, while her other pet, Fern’s brother Bracken, was also clipped by a car this summer.

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Amelia said: “I’d started work when there was a knock at the door. It was our landlord and she said ‘I think your cat’s been hit’. I walked out thinking that she’s probably been clipped but when I got to her she was already dead.

The Springfield Road 20mph sign; Fern (red collar) and Bracken, who used to love to cuddle up together.The Springfield Road 20mph sign; Fern (red collar) and Bracken, who used to love to cuddle up together.
The Springfield Road 20mph sign; Fern (red collar) and Bracken, who used to love to cuddle up together.

“The vets told us that the high speed impact had broken her neck, and she had blood coming out of her eyes, nose and mouth. They said it [the vehicle] would have been going at about 60 or 70mph.”

Amelia added: “Whoever did it had left her in the road. I actually ran in and stopped the traffic to pick her up.

“I know it’s hard for people who don’t have pets to understand, but they are part of your family and love you unconditionally.”

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Amelia’s mother, Liz, 59, and brother Will, 21, have been left devastated by Fern’s death, as has Fern’s brother, Bracken.

The family claim that cars usually drive well over the limit and Amelia is hoping that residents can support her petition to introduce a camera or more signs, such as a Speed Indication Display. She added: ‘This is avoidable pain. Kids also race ahead of their parents on their scooters - what if one went into the road?

“There is a speed sign but it’s about the size of a plate and it’s hidden behind a lamppost.”

A CBC spokeswoman said: “We routinely monitor accident reports received from the police and use this to inform where to prioritise safety schemes. We have checked with the police and there have been no accidents recorded along this road in the last five years, this may well have been because it was below the thresholds they set for attending. We don’t currently have any plans to implement any further safety measures.

“We would be happy to review and consider the petition once it has been submitted.”

To sign the petition, email: [email protected]