'It will stay with me forever': Hit-and-run victim calls for reduced speed limit on busy Northampton road

The victim of a hit-and-run on a busy road in Northampton believes the speed limit should be reduced to make the area safer.

Amber Carter-Thompson suffered a broken leg after being hit by a car while crossing Wellingborough Road at around 11pm in April last year.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Northampton but now lives in Kent, also thinks more CCTV cameras should be installed after having to track down footage of the crash herself.

"Having previously lived in Northampton for a large portion of my life I had never personally experienced any problems on Wellingborough Road, although I have heard from friends that there have been a number of accidents in previous months," she said.

"It's a busy pedestrian road, day and night, so maybe more CCTV cameras and a slower speed zone could or should be implemented."

Amber's suggestion for a speed limit reduction on Wellingborough Road is backed by Danielle Stone, the councillor for Abington and Phippsville ward at Northamptonshire County Council.

"There have been lots of near misses on that road as it's very busy with lots of roads off of it and it's not very safe for the pedestrians as you have to cross a lot of roads," she said.

"So it would be helpful to pedestrians if traffic was limited.

Amber was struck on her right leg by a silver Renault Clio while crossing the road opposite the Pickering Phipps at 10.45pm on Good Friday.

Despite braking to a halt initially with Amber 'screaming in pain', Arthur Desborough drove off without stopping to check on her welfare.

Amber and her mother Gail Thompson contacted businesses near to where the crash happened to ask for any CCTV footage, which proved vital in convicting the driver.

The 87-year-old, of Ashley Way, Westone, was given a £633 fine and eight points on his licence after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop at Northampton Magistrates' Court on December 6.

Amber said: "With the court case over, I am now able to fully focus on my recovery and I will be able to access the treatment I need without further burdening the NHS.

"The accident and the injury I have sustained have both impacted mine and my family's lives tremendously and it is something that will stay with me forever."