A DEVASTATED pet owner who watched in horror as her cat was killed in a hit and run has launched a petition calling for action to tackle speeding on a busy road.

Jodie West believes her two-year-old tabby-cross Sushi was the third cat to be hit on High Road, Langdon Hills, last week alone.

Having a three-year-old daughter of her own, and with Lincewood Primary School, a tuition business and children’s support services nearby, Jodie worries a child could one day fall victim to dangerous driving, just like her beloved pet.

Despite it being a 30mph zone, the 29-year-old claims drivers have worryingly been known to reach speeds of 40 to 50mph.

She said: “My cat got run over on Saturday, but she wasn’t the first on that same bit of road near the Triangle Shops.

“I actually saw it happen from my balcony and was in such shock. The car was definitely going over 30.

“It then carried on going and my cat was left rolling about in the middle of the road where she’d been hit. I ran straight out but I lost her, she just went limp.”

Jodie fears the death of her cat could’ve been avoided, had the driver been going at the correct speed.

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She continued: “Cats will be cats but she could’ve survived and pulled through if they were going slower. We need a zebra crossing or even a speed camera to warn drivers.

“As upsetting as it is I lost my cat, I see children all the time crossing and trying to dodge traffic. It seems like a matter of time before something more serious could happen.”

An Essex Highways spokesperson said: “We are sorry to hear about the death of this resident’s cat on this busy road.

“There are plans to install a new zebra crossing on Florence Way, near to High Road, a position which was identified by the Basildon Local Highway Panel.

“If any resident has concerns about perceived speeding on High Road, Langdon Hills, the best way to communicate this is to please contact your local Essex county councillor.”

To view the petition, visit https://bit.ly/3w1rqso