'We just want safer roads after son Keaton died'

The parents of Keaton Slater have talked of their shock and gratitude over the news a 20mph speed limit is to be introduced on the road their son was killed on.

Keaton, 12, died after being hit by a black BMW in Coventry on 14 June 2024 - with efforts continuing to extradite Latvia-born Dolars Aleksanders, who is suspected of causing his death, to the UK.

Coventry City Council has approved a traffic-calming scheme on Radford Road, which will also include speed bumps, splitter islands and double yellow lines.

Louise and Clint Slater told the BBC: "It's taken a long time and a lot of fighting. We don't want other families to go through what we went through."

The road, which is a key bus route, currently has a 30mph limit and is monitored by average speed cameras.

But Louise said there have been many traffic incidents in the last two years that could have resulted in more deaths.

"So many incidents have happened since, and it's heartbreaking," she said.

"Another girl was hit by a car after Keaton passed, and that family had to go through what we did.

"Luckily she's alright. But safer roads - that's all we're asking for. For people to drive safe."

A new pedestrian refuge will be added, while a crossing between Wyley Road and Bede Road will be raised to form a "speed table".

The new speed limit will come into place in the summer.

The bereaved parents said they were shocked to hear the plans were approved and have more ideas to implement road safety in the area, including a zebra crossing and free high vis vests for the children that use the bus stop on the road.

"We feel grateful. I'm just glad our voices have been heard," Louise said.

"You don't think it will be - when it happened, and it kept happening - it felt like flashbacks for us. We want to help other families get through something like this."

The couple said they are waiting to hear back from the Crown Prosecution Service on legal proceedings in Keaton's case.

Clint said: "We've got to wait until June. We should have answers by then. So fingers crossed, but it's down to the government to make a decision."

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