Protect Our Community and Its Beloved Pets from Dangerous Driving

I am calling on Cardiff Council to urgently install speed bumps and implement traffic calming measures in Carlton Gardens, Powderham Drive; particularly near the blind spot at the entrance to Waterford Close. This area has become increasingly hazardous due to drivers frequently exceeding the 20 mph speed limit, creating significant risks to residents, pedestrians, and pets.

Personal Experience:

Tragically, my cat was recently killed by a speeding vehicle at this very spot. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for effective traffic-calming measures to prevent further tragedies. Every day, drivers brake harshly around this blind spot, increasing the likelihood of further accidents involving pets, children, and cyclists.

The Risks in Carlton Gardens

Speeding is a Silent Danger:

According to UK Department for Transport (DfT) statistics, a pedestrian struck at 20 mph has a 5% chance of being killed, but at 30 mph, this rises to 45%, and at 40 mph, it’s 85%.

For pets, the risk of fatality is even higher due to their smaller size and vulnerability. A speeding vehicle has a 60% chance of killing a small animal (like a cat or small dog) on impact, and at higher speeds, survival is extremely unlikely.

The Blind Spot Near Waterford Close:

The corner at Waterford Close creates a blind spot, forcing drivers to brake harshly. Combined with excessive speeds, this corner is a serious accident hotspot, endangering anyone nearby, including free-roaming pets.
Carlton Gardens is a family-friendly estate with children, cyclists, and pets frequently crossing the roads. Without traffic calming measures, the risk of further accidents remains dangerously high.

Cats and Free-Roaming Laws:

In the UK, cats are legally considered “free-roaming” animals, meaning they are allowed to explore their environment. However, speeding vehicles in residential areas puts this natural behaviour at risk and causes unnecessary worry for pet owners who fear losing their beloved animals.

230,000 cats are killed on UK roads every year. Carlton Gardens is home to many free-roaming cats and residents should not have to live with the constant fear of losing their pets to dangerous driving.

Harsh Braking Increases Accidents:

RAC research highlights that harsh braking in residential areas increases the likelihood of collisions, particularly in areas with poor visibility. Drivers are unable to react in time to sudden obstacles, whether they are pedestrians, pets, or other vehicles.
 
Proposed Measures

To address these risks, I propose the following actions in Carlton Gardens:

Installation of Speed Bumps:

Speed bumps in strategic locations throughout the estate will reduce vehicle speeds, ensuring drivers adhere to the 20 mph speed limit and have more time to react to sudden obstacles, such as pets crossing the road.

Improved Lighting:

Enhanced street lighting near the blind spot at Waterford Close will improve visibility for drivers during low-light conditions, making it easier to see pedestrians, cyclists, and pets.

Community-Friendly Traffic Calming Measures:

Implementing measures such as raised crosswalks or road narrowing (chicanes) can further reduce speeds and create a safer environment for residents, children, and pets.
 
Why This Matters

Installing traffic calming measures will:

Reduce the Risk of Fatalities: Lower vehicle speeds mean fewer and less severe accidents.

Protect Our Pets: Drivers will have more time to react to animals crossing the road, reducing the likelihood of pet fatalities.

Enhance Community Safety: Safer roads encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor play for families and children.

Residents of Carlton Gardens deserve to live in a community where they feel safe, where children can play freely, and where pet owners can allow their animals to roam without constant fear of accidents.

Call to Action

Sign this petition to urge Cardiff Council to take immediate action to make Carlton Gardens a safer place for everyone. Together, we can prevent further accidents and heartbreak. Let’s protect our community and ensure our roads are safe for all.