Watch: A60 speed limit to change after student with autism was left in coma after being hit by car

Video: Lizzy Heeley and her mother are calling for the speed limit to be lowered on the A60

The speed limit on the A60 will change next month following a campaign by a student with autism who was left in a coma after being hit by a car on the road.

Last year, Lizzy Heeley was hit by a car while crossing the busy road on her way to college which left her in a coma.

One year on, Lizzy and her mother Marianne Heeley called for a slower speed limit and for more TV adverts to help pupils like Lizzy better understand how to be safe on the road.

Lizzy said: “Having TV adverts back and getting the speed limit reduced on this road would make it a lot safer.

“We need speed cameras too.”

Lizzy’s mother Marianne recalled the day in which Lizzy was left in a coma.

She said: “Lizzy was running two or three minutes late leaving animal care and was panicking coming down from her classroom towards the end of Portland College driveway to catch the bus.

“We know she had headphones on because another pupil made a comment about that.

“She saw the bus on the other side of the road and, through sheer panic, tried to wave to the bus, get across the road and get home but then she got hit.

“You can now tell by her mannerisms that she is overly cautious crossing the road and is that nervous, she’s told me to speak to her like our German Shepherd.”

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Lizzy crossing the A60 with her mother Marianne

Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed the speed limit will be reduced on a stretch of the road on November 27.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Following an extensive review and consultation, the current 50mph speed limit speed limit on a two-mile section of A60 Nottingham Road at Harlow Wood is being reduced from next month.

“The lower speed limit is being introduced following concerns raised by local residents regarding highway safety so these safety measure aim to enhance the safety of vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians

“The new speed limit will better suit the nature of the road as despite its relatively rural location, this section of the A60 is unique because of its hilly nature, the three large educational establishments in the immediate vicinity (two of which are for people with disabilities).

“It also features several junctions, private accesses, a pedestrian crossing and a nearby housing development.

“Work to introduce the new speed limit are due to start next month (November 13) will take two weeks to complete.”

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