TRAFFIC-calming measures on the A449 at Hartlebury are planned after the death of teenager Michelle Bolton. The scene of the crash on the Kidderminster-Worcester road.

The 16-year-old schoolgirl, of Waresley Park, died after being struck by a car as she crossed the busy trunk road one night in February.

The Highways Agency is planning more red paint, road narrowing and a 50mph speed limit after an outcry about crossing dangers for pedestrians.

Agency manager Ian Askew put forward the scheme at a public meeting attended by 130 villagers at Hartlebury last Thursday.

He warned it could be at least two years before it is in place.

He said a £600,000 scheme between Crossway Green and Ombersley had been a "phenomenal success".

He envisaged similar measures between the north of Hartlebury and Claines island.

Pedestrian crossing facilities could only be put in at Hartlebury when speed was reduced. Mr Askew ruled out a footbridge near the Waresley turn and also rejected a roundabout but said there could be limited street lighting.

John Stevenson, of the A449 Action Group, which has raised a petition to go to the House of Commons, said traffic speeds at an unlit, unsafe junction made it hazardous to cross the road.

More than 120 people had experienced near misses at the junction and 28 had been involved in accidents.

Mr Askew responded Hartlebury was not one of the 180 accident "cluster" sites in his area.

There were 40 other places on the A449 which had a higher accident record.

He said: "Even though one death is far too many, one death does not justify a safety scheme."

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, whose constituency covers Hartlebury, called for better signs to indicate pedestrians were crossing.

And he called for controversial traffic lights at the Black Bridge to be scrapped.

Frustrated drivers put their foot down as soon as they got onto the Hartlebury bypass and this led to danger at Waresley.

He was worries ambulances could be caught in the congestion but Mr Askew said they could be fitted with transponders to change the lights in their favour.

Michelle's father Terry Bolton said after the meeting the Highways Agency had made up its mind beforehand and was not listening to the people.

Hartlebury Parish Council chairman John Webb said it would maintain pressure on the Highways Agency to bring in safety measures as soon as possible.