DRIVERS are being urged to approach a redesigned junction on the St Helens Linkway with care - after Star readers raised concerns.

Last month a 15-year-old Sutton Academy pupil was hit by a Vauxhall Astra at the dual carriageway's junction with Elton Head Road.

It is believed the youngster was crossing the road on his way to school when he was knocked down.

He remains in hospital but is no longer in a critical condition.

The incident is being investigated by police.

Since the collision, many Star readers have highlighted the changes to the linkway's junctions with Elton Head Road and Sherdley Road, which were previously joined by a roundabout.

The road has undergone significant changes to its layout and now includes traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Motorists have contacted the Star to raise concerns about cars not slowing to 40mph on the approaches to the junction.

And they claim to have witnessed some drivers jumping red lights.

The readers have raised fears that reckless drivers are risking more collisions at the junction.

Commenting on the junction and its recent changes, a St Helens Council spokesperson, said: “In recent years St Helens Linkway has become a severely congested corridor, particularly at Elton Head Road and Sherdley Road during peak times.

“To address this problem - together with concerns we received about the previously poor pedestrian and cyclist facilities in place – a junction improvement scheme was carried out to replace the former roundabout with signal controlled pedestrian crossing facilities to create balanced and measured traffic flow, and to reduce queuing.

“St Helens Council is committed to investing in improving connectivity and safety for all road users – including pedestrians and cyclists – and we were shocked and saddened to hear about this incident.

“Our thoughts remain with the young person involved – and we would like to take this opportunity to urge pedestrians and cyclists to use the crossing facilities safely, and motorists to abide by the 40mph speed limit around the junction."

Last year road engineers worked on a complete redesign of the roundabout, creating a traffic signal-controlled junction.

St Helens Council said the redesign's purpose was to create a more balanced and measured traffic flow, reduce peak time queues and improve poor pedestrian and cyclist facilities.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref 176 or the Roads Policing Unit on 0151 7775747.