A pensioner who has called for speed restrictions on his road for more than five years saw his cat killed by a car outside his house last week.

Colin Stuart, 66, of Gateshead Road, Borehamwood, has lost three cats on the road in the past eight years. The latest victim, five-year-old Poppy, was hit by a car and the driver failed to stop.

Mr Stuart said he is devastated by the loss and is also concerned not enough is being done to get drivers to observe the speed limits.

He said: “I stood there and watched it happen. People say it is only a cat but it was awful. I want to stop this happening again. By putting speed bumps on this road it will at least have some sort of effect. I don’t want to wait for another person or animal to be killed before something is done about this.”

Mr Stuart also recalled an incident four years ago when an elderly woman was hit by a car as she crossed Gateshead Road.

Emily Haggerty, 75, who lived in Gateshead Road, was seriously injured in November 2004 and died two years later after never fully recovering.

A Hertfordshire County Council spokeswoman said: “We have made major safety improvements to Gateshead Road, in the form of chicanes and speed tables, and are sorry to hear a small minority persist in breaking the speed limit and putting other road users, pedestrians and their pets at risk.

“We sympathise with residents’ concerns and recommend they report these incidents to the police, who have the power to enforce the speed limit.”

But Mr Stuart is concerned the measures already put in place are not enough. He added: “Just last night I saw a car speed down the road at around 90 mph and there wasn’t anything to stop it. Even though there are road chicanes, it doesn’t stop drivers from speeding when there is no traffic. I see cars just swerving around them like maniacs.

“I drive, and am aware speed limits can sometimes be irritating. But we all have deadlines and we all have to be willing to slow down for the safety of everyone.

“It is not all about me, it is about other people and animals too. If I can do anything to prevent this happening again, I will.”

Anyone who wants to report an incident of speeding can call Borehamwood’s neighbourhood policing team on 01727 796614.