A safety report into a new road layout that has come in for criticism from residents has recommended minor adjustments.

The report, published on Friday, backed the general design of the Heart of Hackbridge regeneration scheme, though stressed reducing the speed of drivers was crucial to crossings being safe.

Councillor Ruth Dombey said: "Hackbridge is changing for the better and I am very pleased that the interim findings have supported the work that has been carried out. Some further adjustments are going to be made to the scheme.

"It won't be complete until all the monitoring work is done and any additional measures have been implemented.

"We will never compromise on the safety of residents.

"This started as a community-led project and I am delighted that local people have stayed engaged with us to help."

The report found speed was one of the main drivers in whether motorists stopped for the public. When drivers are travelling slowly, 15mph or lower, they are far more prepared to stop.

Inspectors observed pedestrians used the crossings with 'a noticeable degree of caution'.

Crossing the first traffic flow was stated to be safer: "the pedestrian would interact with the driver before beginning to cross", but crossing the second was less predictable and in many cases the drivers would not stop, forcing pedestrians to wait mid way across the carriageway.

During the site inspection most pedestrians seen were adults and able to deal with the situation however concerns remain during term time 'children may not approach the crossings with such caution'.

The findings were shared at the Delivery Board meeting on Wednesday September 24 where it was agreed speeds would be monitored to ensure traffic is sufficiently slowed.

The roundle in the centre of the junction will be made more visible, and more advance signs indicating informal crossings will be installed alongside signs.

The temporary lollipop officer will remain until the proposed changes have been fully assessed.

Tracey Collins, 42, of New Road Hackbridge and campaigner against the scheme, said: "If all the recommendations are put in, would I be happy? No, because there are still no controlled crossings.

"To put a sign up saying pedestrian have priority is one thing but they don't, vehicles do.

"At the end of the day signs are not going to make vehicles slow down.

"The speed limits there are still 30 miles per hour. How they slow that to 15 is anybody's guess.

"Sutton wants to lower speeds on that road but they could only do that with speed bumps and if they have the money for that then there's the money for a controlled crossing."