"We can't just accept this as normal": warning communities face becoming "no-go zones" after latest fatal hit-and-run
The West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner is urging unified action on dangerous drivers.
Last updated 31st Jul 2023
There is a warning communities across the West Midlands will become "no-go zones" for children, walkers and cyclists if urgent action isn't taken to tackle dangerous driving on the roads.
It comes following the latest fatal hit-and-run in the region - a seven-year-old girl in Walsall.
Katniss Selezneva was killed after being hit by a motorbike last Thursday (27 July) in Blakenhall.
A 14-year-old boy who was arrested in connection with the collision, has been released on bail with strict conditions.
Tributes continue to build at the scene in Turnstone Road, with people leaving flowers, teddies and balloons as well as messages of condolence.
Community fears
There has been public outcry following the tragedy, with parents living in the area describing their fears about allowing their children to play outside.
Speaking to us about the incident, Adam Tranter, the West Midlands Cycling and Walking Commissioner, said: "We just can't accept this as normal, we can't accept this as just something that happens.
"And rightly, there's been a lot of outcry in the communities affected and rightly, people are saying we've had enough of this.
"I'm really concerned that if we, as a society, don't get on top of this and don't take this seriously, then parts of our communities will end up become no-go areas for children, and people walking, or scooting, or cycling. And that can't be the case. We have to do everything in our power to fight this.
"It's going to be difficult, because it does blight our communities and resources are stretched, but we have to tackle this in the way we would with all other serious incidents that affect communities and not just shrug it off and says its one of those things.
"We have to tackle this at the source and identify the kind of culture that allows this stuff to happen."
Adam continued: "We've got to say 'this isn't good enough'. Playing outside is definitely part of growing up and having that access to outside space. And we're slowly but surely taking that right away from children, each time something like this happens.
"We have to address this, not just as a collision and just sort of move on. We have to look why these collisions are happening, and how the system has failed other young people, who are turning to this kind of behaviour and causing devastation in their communities. We've got to come together and do something about it."
Investigations continuing
Police are continuing to carry out forensic tests on two motorbikes recovered close to the scene in Turnstone Road. Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Our work to establish the facts around this tragic incident is continuing.
"We have recovered two motorbikes and they will now be forensically examined as part of those extensive enquiries. And at this awful time our thoughts remain with the family of Katniss, who are being supported and have asked to be left to grieve in private.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to all those people who have already come to us with information - it is truly appreciated.
"We would ask again that anyone who was at the scene does still come forward, as what they know may be valuable to our ongoing investigation."