AN Urmston resident has launched a petition asking for traffic calming measures after a young cyclist from Davyhulme was killed.

Jennifer Hopwood, 20, of Lorne Grove, called for speed bumps or cameras to be installed on Higher Road after Billy Harrison, 21, collided with a silver BMW last week.

Talking about the appeal, which has more than 550 signatures so far, Jennifer said: “There are too many accidents on Higher Road and it is time for something to be done. Traffic travels far too fast there sometimes.

“I just want to make more people aware of this issue and I am taking this petition as far as it will go and I’m not giving up.

“Billy Harrison’s death was the most horrific of accidents and I want to prevent if not stop anything like this or similar happening again on Higher Road.”

Jennifer has drummed up support for her cause by posting leaflets door to door and placing the petition in shops.

She is also drafting a letter to the council and is keen to meet MP for Stretford and Urmston, Bev Hughes.

Jennifer has also set up an online petition on social networking site facebook, which is called ‘Higher Road petiton for speed bumps or cameras’.

In addition there is an existing facebook group called ‘Put speed cameras on Higher Road, Urmston’, which currently has more than 130 members.

Jennifer added: “There’s a park on Higher Road that my eight-year-old brother has to cross the street to get to. I’d like to be sure that he is safe in doing that.”

MP for Stretford and Urmston, Bev Hughes, said: “This is a tragic case and my thoughts are with Billy’s friends and family at this difficult time.

“I understand that an investigation into this matter is ongoing and I am more than happy to lend my support to calls for possible traffic calming measures to be investigated.”

John Lamb, director of environment strategy for Trafford Council, said: “We take road safety in Trafford extremely seriously and are waiting for the outcome of the police investigation following the tragic fatality on Higher Road earlier this month to determine the circumstances of the collision.

“We do regularly assess roads for traffic calming measures and Higher Road has not previously been flagged up as a priority.

“However, we will always listen to people’s concerns, alongside work carried out to determine the impact any new scheme would have, for example on emergency service vehicles and buses using the route.

“Similarly, new speed camera sites are required to meet strict criteria and are assessed by the Speed Camera Partnership, a Greater Manchester unit comprising representatives of Greater Manchester Police and councils.”

l Do you think any other Trafford roads could be safer? Call 0161 908 3381 or email hannah.al-taraboulsy@messengergrp.co.uk