THE parents of a four-year-old boy who was knocked down and killed outside a Worcester school claim they were told somebody else would have to be struck before a speed camera could be installed.

Thomas Drew was killed when he stepped into the road outside Hindlip Primary School, Fernhill Heath, in 2002.

His parents Sarah Byrne and Steven Drew have successfully campaigned for the speed limit to be reduced from 40mph to 30mph on the busy A38 Worcester to Droitwich road, but say a camera is needed to ensure drivers keep to it.

"We were told that there had not been enough fatalities on this road to put up a speed camera," said Miss Byrne.

"It was just astounding to hear. No one should have to go through what we have."

The couple's story is part of a BBC documentary called Crash: One Fatal Day On The Roads, being aired on BBC1 at 7pm tomorrow.

Miss Byrne said making the programme had been very difficult. She said: "It has brought back many terrible memories. But we feel we owe it to Thomas to continue."

An inquest into Thomas's death concluded the driver was not exceeding the 40mph speed limit, and both Worcestershire County Council and the Highways Agency say there have been no speeding-related collisions on the road since.

Miss Byrne said: "The limit was too high for outside a school anyway. I'm glad we got this reduced, but more needs to be done.

"We have heard so many promises that safety measures will be introduced, but nothing has happened."

The programme features children from Hindlip Primary School, including Thomas's sister, eight-year-old Laura, making a fake speed camera and carrying out a traffic survey outside their school, before marching on County Hall to demand action.

School governor Julie Letts said some parents were considering not sending their children to the school because of the speeding traffic.

"One of my worst fears is trying to get across this road in the morning with a four-year-old in one hand and a six-year-old in the other," she said.

"You get to the middle and you're stranded there - there's cars coming that way, there's cars coming this way and nobody stops to let you cross."

Since the programme was filmed, the county council has agreed to take action.

Coun Derek Prodger, the cabinet member for the environment, said: "We have responded to requests from the school and parents and will be putting up a speed-activated sign very soon.

"We will also be cutting back a very high hedge and re-painting road markings around the school."

A spokesman for the Highways Agency apologised if a member of staff had suggested someone else would need to be killed or injured for a speed camera to be installed.