THE death of a four-year-old boy has prompted fresh calls for a pelican crossing and other traffic-calming measures on the stretch where he was hit by a car.

The young victim was on his way to pick up his sister from Hindlip CE First School with his mother on Tuesday, when the accident took place.

He suffered head injuries after being in collision with a blue Volvo S40 Saloon outside the school on the Droitwich Road.

He died later at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

An inquest into the tragedy is due to take place next Monday at County Hall.

Paul Coley, chairman of North Claines Parish Council, said the group had been campaigning for traffic-calming measures on the A38 at Fernhill Heath for two years.

He said the parish council had been discussing road-calming measures with the Highways Agency.

"The tragedy that occurred highlighted urgently the need for these proposals," said Mr Coley.

"The traffic moving through Fernhill Heath is too fast.

"The speed limit needs to be reduced from 40 miles an hour to 30 miles an hour and traffic calming measures are needed such as a pelican crossing by the school."

"The A38, which is a trunk road, needs to be detrunked before a 30 mile hour limit can be put on it," said Mr Coley of Broadfield Crescent, Fernhill Heath.

"North Claines Parish Council has been pushing and waiting for the decision for detrunking.

"It's a pity this tragedy has had to highlight the need for these things."

Police, who are still making enquiries, confirmed that the driver of the car stopped after the accident.

Teachers prevented children from leaving the school until paramedics had dealt with the incident.

Alan Wood who has lived in Sling Lane for 30 years, said he could remember other accidents on the Droitwich Road over the last few years.

A spokeswoman for Worcester police said the boy's parents did not want their son's name released.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact PC Julie Slater on 01905 723888 quoting c/577835.