Heartbroken family ask for change to speed limit on Chester road as they mourn 'beautiful son Evan'

The heartbroken family of an 11-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car outside his school in Chester are urging the council to change the speed limit on the road.

King's School pupil Evan Rothwell was hit by a car on Wrexham Road last Tuesday (November 12). Sadly, Evan later died in hospital on Saturday, November 16.

The speed limit of the road outside the school has long been a subject of controversy. And following the tragic incident, Evan's family urged the council to re-think its 40mph speed limit on the road.

READ MORE: "He made us proud every day" say family of 11-year-old Evan after tragic Chester death

READ MORE: "We're in the footballer haven Cheshire Golden Triangle and we're being punished for it"

Using their opportunity to pay tribute to their 'beautiful son', Evan's parents were keen to also highlight the need for change and potentially prevent another tragic young death.

Evan's family said: "It is with great sadness that we can confirm that our beautiful son Evan Rothwell has passed away as a result of the road traffic accident near King’s School last Tuesday.

"We are shocked and devastated at his loss. We would like to thank the emergency services staff and the staff at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for their expertise, care and commitment and most of all for their kindness.

"The speed limit on the road where Evan was hit is a 40mph limit. This road is outside a school, and we strongly feel that this needs to be lowered to prevent anything like this from happening again."

A spokesperson for Cheshire West and Chester Council said: "We were devastated to hear about the tragic incident outside the Kings School in Chester last week and our thoughts are with Evan’s family, friends, his school community and everyone else affected at this incredibly difficult time.

"Officers in our Highways Service are doing all they can to fully support Cheshire Police as they complete their enquiries. As the incident is now part of an ongoing investigation, we are not able to comment further at this time."

A petition has also been launched to force action on the stretch of road. Now signed by more than 3,500 people, the three-pronged petition calls on the council to "implement an immediate, temporary 30 mph limit on this section of Wrexham Road"; "Proactively work with the school and local community to implement permanent changes to this junction to further reduce risks"; and to "in future, proactively include representations from the local community in risk assessments, rather than rely on third party views and a future accident rate".

Referencing the horrific incident last week, the petition states: "The junction has unfortunately been demonstrated to be high risk, and now is the time for the local authority to act together with input from the community to better accommodate the needs and usage patterns of pedestrians."

Many have been moved to comment on the petition along with adding their signature. Most of the comments reference the speed limit and many highlight the 20mph limit implemented around most schools.

Victoria Dadson said: "How on earth this has remained a 40mph zone next to a school and a significant amount of housing is beyond me. It should not take the death of a child to think that perhaps a residential/school zone shouldn't have a 40mph limit."

Kylie Cottis said: "40 mph is to fast for a school road. This little boy should still be here with his family."

Jayne Carter added: "Sadly a young boy lost his life and this should never happen to any family. The speed needs to be reduced and quickly."

Anne Gallagher said: "The decision to keep this road as 40mph needs to be heavily scrutinised. It defies all common sense and has resulted in a terrible tragedy. Those involved should hang their heads in shame."

To sign or to view the petition, click here.

NEWSLETTER: Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here