A weekly newspaper is campaigning for improved safety measures on a road where an eight-year-old boy died after being knocked down and killed while riding his bike.

The Surrey Comet launched its Stop Look and Listen To Us campaign following the death of schoolboy Ali Nasralla on Robin Hood Way in March.

The newspaper, which has started an online petition, has already been backed by MPs and has now received support from the current mayor of London Boris Johnson who has promised to review safety in the road where the boy was hit and killed.

The Comet handed a letter to Mr Johnson from Ali’s father Murtadha Nasralla, urging him to reduce speed and introduce speed bumps on the road where it happened.

Assistant editor Julia Kennard said: “The Stop, Look and Listen To Us campaign was born out of a clear need for further safety measures on the road where schoolboy Ali Nasralla was fatally hit.

“People living nearby had made calls in the past for reduced speed limits and speed bumps on the road, but had not been listened to.

“Reporter Tom Barnes also found there was compelling evidence to support such safety measures, such as a  2009 London School of Hygiene which stated 20mph limits were particular useful at saving young people from death and injury, and a separate report from the London Assembly.

“The campaign has gained support from across the party divide, including London Mayoral candidates Ken Livingstone, from Labour, and the Green’s Jenny Jones, followed by Liberal Democrat Surbiton and Kingston MP Edward Davey, a Cabinet minister, and Conservative MP for Richmond and North Kingston, Zac Goldsmith.

“Boris Johnson has now said he will look into the issue and this is something we will certainly hold him to account on.”

In his open letter to the mayor Murtadha Nasralla wrote: “It has been a month since my son died on a road controlled by Transport for London, of which you are the boss, yet despite a campaign from the local newspaper, no one has responded to our pleas to have the speed reduced.

“I ask you, Mr Johnson, to look at this campaign and make a promise to me as a man and as a father, that you will be personally involved in any decision made.”

During a visit to Surbiton last week as part of his mayoral election campaign Mr Johnson told the newspaper that he would ‘certainly look into it.’

Reporters from the Comet had previously canvassed people on Robin Hood Way to drum up support for the campaign.

Added Julia: “More people are signing the petition each day and we hope the campaign will help achieve greater safety measures on a road where there is a great need.”

The online petition can be found here: