On the 1st of October, 2023, my first-born son Ethan was tragically killed in a car accident on Dumpton Park Drive, just two days shy of his 19th birthday. Ethan was the front passenger, and unfortunately he took the full force of the crash, and died at the scene. As his mum, I feel I failed him as I wasn't with him at the end, it was my job to protect and I couldnt do it. His loss is not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the dangers that high speeds can pose on our roads.

Ethan was the most fun loving person you could ever meet, he could find joy in anything. And his laugh, it was completely infectious. He could make lift the mood in any room.

Dumpton Park Drive in Broadstairs and Ramsgate, has become notorious for speed-related accidents. The lack of adequate speed calming measures has turned this residential area into an accident hotspot, with 2 fatalities in under 2 years. This is not just about Ethan anymore; it's about every child, every family who could be next, I do not want anyone else to ever experience this heartbreak that has now befallen my family. If Ethan's death can help prevent anyone else having to suffer, then we as a family will know he has left a lasting legacy. 

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), inappropriate speed contributes to around 11% of all injury collisions reported to the police, 15% of crashes resulting in serious injury and 24% of incidents that result in death (RoSPA Road Safety Factsheet, May 2020). These figures are alarming and underline the urgent need for action.

We call upon Kent County Council to implement effective speed calming measures on Dumpton Park Drive as soon as possible. Let's make our streets safe again - for Ethan and all those whose lives have been or could be affected by such tragedies.

Please sign this petition and help us bring about this much-needed change.