We need more cameras to stop another tragedy
8:31am Wednesday 16th July 2008
A mother whose little boy died in a traffic incident in Swindon says speed cameras should be put every 100 yards on busy roads across the town.
Caroline Hannah's seven-year-old son Tyrese died after being struck by a car near the junction of Belle Vue Road in March.
"It's not only important that we keep speed cameras - there should be more of them," said Caroline, 34, of Old Walcot.
"I think they should be put in every 100 yards.
"Speeding does kill - it can happen.
"People think twice about speeding if they know the cameras are around.
"I think they become more responsible when they know the cameras are there.
"But I know they should be operational on Queens Drive - it's ridiculous that they are not.
"Cameras should be put on Drove Road and Victoria Hill.
"Also on any stretches of dual carriageway, including the Great Western Way.
"It's where you have a blind bend that accidents can happen.
"The council is cutting off its nose off to spite its face."
Tyrese, who attended Lethbridge School, had been walking with his mother, and dog Odi, when a car struck him and his pet.
He was knocked unconscious, and died five-and-a-half hours later at the Great Western Hospital.
Floral tributes and teddy bears have been attached to a lamppost at the spot in Drove Road for the last four months.
Since his death two flashing 30mph signs have been put in place on both sides of Drove Road.
It is a safety measure that has been fully backed by Caroline and her family.
Drove Road has seen a number of incidents in the last seven months.
Just a month before Tyrese died a motorcyclist suffered a broken leg and back injuries after being trapped under a van following a smash near the Grove pub.
In December a car hit a disabled woman as she crossed Drove Road at the Upham Road turning and she was kept in hospital overnight There has been one fatality and 21 injuries on Queens Drive in the last 18 months.
- A 19-year-old man from North Swindon was arrested in connection with Tyrese's death but has not been charged. He has been bailed pending further inquiries to return to Gable Cross police station later this month. It is not yet known whether speeding was a contributory factor to this incident.