Ben LillyTHE PARENTS of tragic toddler Ben Lilly are launching a road safety campaign in memory of their son.

David and Julie Lilly, of High Street, Sutton Veny, are still mourning the death of 18-month-old Ben who was crushed under the wheels of their neighbour's 4x4. Speaking publicly for the first time since his death, the family paid tribute and said now they just want to save other children's lives.

Mr Lilly, 36, said: "We are looking for an extension of the law to make drivers more accountable.

"Because Ben was knocked down on a private road it was very difficult to prosecute.

"Basically we want all drivers to face prosecution if they are responsible for an accident.

"Both my wife and I want something positive to come from this tragedy, in Benjamin's name, that will save at least the life of just one child."

In 2002 79 child pedestrians were killed in Britain and around 2,100 were injured. The Lillys hope to target child safety in housing estates, cul-de-sacs and villages and raise awareness of the problems of child safety on the roads.

They have gained support in principle from MP Andrew Murrison, the NSPCC and road safety charities Brake and Road Peace. Among their proposals is "Ben's Reverse Parking Law", which backs up Highway Code legislation encouraging drivers to reverse into their driveways.

They have also argued the possibility of a written test every 10 years on the Highway Code and other motoring legislation.

"How many lives could be saved if people were just more careful on the roads?" said Mr Lilly.

"I don't necessarily know if these ideas will be supported but at least we will get people talking about them and that can only improve road safety."

Although the Lillys have fought hard to improve road conditions they both say nothing can bring their son back.

Mr Lilly said: "Ben was the happiest little boy in the world. He just absolutely loved life.

"He loved animals and nature, pigeons were his favourite and he would watch them all the time."

Ben's mother, Julie, 32, also paid tribute to her son and said her aim was just to save one child's life however she could.

She said: "I have children upstairs who came back from school one day and we had to tell them their brother was dead.

"Nothing can bring him back but we just have to try and ensure no more children die so completely unnecessarily."