Safety auditors warned Sutton Council seven months ago of a dangerous pedestrian crossing where a boy was run over this week.

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Consultants warned on March 4 that some drivers "did not even notice the presence of pedestrians trying to cross" at informal crossings in London Road, Hackbridge.

They said: "Of particular concern would be pedestrians from more vulnerable groups, for example children, mobility impaired [and] elderly."

The council announced the results of the safety audit in a press release three months later, and said it would follow auditors' advice to re-introduce controlled and zebra crossings, subject to design and consultation.

A lack of funds to re-engineer the crossings would be "catastrophic", according to a separate council risk assessment.

On Thursday, Maria Vidal-Reed’s son Max, 8, was hit by a car as they walked across the informal crossing outside R K Pharmacy.

She said: "There’s no boundaries for anyone. It feels like a pedestrianised area bit but’s a really busy main road. We’ve been saying for the last year and a half that it’s an accident waiting to happen – and unfortunately it was my son.

"I can’t talk for everyone, but I know how other mums in the school feel. We go through there and we don’t feel that they’re very safe. Everyone can see that they don’t make sense."

The accident happened on Ms Vidal-Reed's 42nd birthday, as the family were returning home after picking up cakes from the nearby Sainsbury's.

She said: "He just had cuts and bruises, but it could have been a really different ending to the day. I don't want the next child to get killed.

Tracey Collins, a Hackbridge resident and road safety campaigner, said: "It was only a matter of time. We have said all along that the crossings are dangerous. The pedestrians haven't got priority on them, so you are relying on the driver to stop for you."

A Sutton Council spokesman said: "We are greatly saddened to hear about the accident in London Road and wish the boy a speedy recovery.

"We are awaiting the results of the police report to find out what happened.

"Since the safety audit was published, the council has taken on board the recommendations and has designed a number of options for the introduction of zebra crossings.

"We have been working with the police, Transport for London, London Buses and the Greater London Authority on the designs, as well as meeting with community representatives from Hackbridge Primary School, Hackbridge Safety First and Sutton Vision. We have also met with traders.

"Following their input, the designs are now being road safety audited before going out to public consultation shortly."