FRIGHTENED parents have put their names to a petition aimed at reducing the speed limit outside a school where a youngster died after he was in collision with a car.

Four-year-old Thomas Drew died after the accident near Hindlip First School last month.

"We really desperately want to get the speed of the traffic reduced," said Maria Foweraker, supervisor at Chatterbox Nursery.

"We also want to get a zebra crossing and a lollipop lady for the road and see the speed limit reduced to 30mph from 40mph, which it is at the moment.

"I just think if people knew there were children crossing it would make it so much safer for all of the children."

One petition, signed by the youngster's parents, has been handed in to officials at County Hall and the other is being sent to mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff.

"Unless drivers know that there's a school here then accidents are going to happen," added Mrs Foweraker.

Anxious parents of youngsters from both the Chatterbox Pre-School and Hindlip First School, alongside the A38 in Fernhill Heath, have put their names to the petition.

"There are around 100 children being dropped off along this road every day," added Mrs Foweraker.

"It's quite possible to prevent this happening again if the right measures are taken."

Officers at yesterday's full meeting of Worcestershire County Council were handed the petition by Councillor Maurice Broomfield.

"I'm hoping that something serious will be done and more safety measures will be put in place along the A38 through Fernhill Heath," said Coun Broomfield.

"I went to the funeral of this little boy and I don't think I've ever been to anything so upsetting. I left there thinking that something had to be done."

Although the Highways Agency is currently in charge of the road, responsibility will pass to the county council within the next few months as the route is being reclassified from a trunk road to a standard highway.

Traffic calming action cannot be taken until the transfer because it is banned on trunk roads. When it reverts to a standard highway the measures can be introduced.

Jeff Romanis, head of transportation at the county council, said that once the road is re-classified, he will examine the speed limit.