A21 Traffic Delays | Live Updates and Roadworks

The A21 is a major road in Southern England that connects London and various commuter towns to the south coast. It runs for about 63 miles (101 km) from Lewisham in south-east London to Hastings in East Sussex, passing through Kent and the towns of Bromley, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Robertsbridge.

The A21 is a trunk road for most of its length, meaning that it is maintained and managed by National Highways. It is also part of the European route E15, which links Inverness in Scotland to Algeciras in Spain.

The A21 has a varied character, with some sections being dual carriageways and some being single carriageways. It also has some areas with variable speed limits and smart motorway schemes that use the hard shoulder as a running lane at peak times. The speed limit on the A21 is generally 70mph for cars and motorcycles on dual carriageways and motorways and 60mph on single carriageways. However, there are some exceptions and variations depending on the type of vehicle and the road conditions.

The A21 is an important route for commuters, tourists and businesses, providing access to many towns, villages and attractions. It is also an alternative route to the M20 and M25 motorways for traffic heading to or from the Channel Tunnel or Dover ferry port.

However, the A21 is also known for its congestion, especially on weekdays and holidays. Some parts of the A21 are prone to accidents and delays due to narrow lanes, sharp bends, hills and junctions. Many proposals and projects have been made to upgrade parts of the A21 to improve its safety and capacity, such as the Pembury bypass, the Lamberhurst bypass and the Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst improvement scheme.

A21 Congestion Reports

If you are planning to travel on the A21, you should check the latest traffic updates and roadworks before you set off. 

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Northbound A21 Roadworks, Delays

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A21 Road Traffic Flow Map

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Busiest Sections of The A21

Traffic volumes on the A21 vary depending on the location, time and day of the week. According to the Department for Transport, the average annual daily flow (AADF) of vehicles on the A21 in 2019 ranged from 5,000 to 95,000, with the highest volumes near London and the lowest volumes near Hastings. The busiest sections of the A21 are:

• Between junction 5 of the M25 and Sevenoaks, where the AADF was 95,000 vehicles in 2019.
• Between Tonbridge and Pembury, where the AADF was 78,000 vehicles in 2019.
• Between Pembury and Tunbridge Wells, where the AADF was 71,000 vehicles in 2019.

The traffic volumes on the A21 tend to be higher during peak hours (7 am-9 am and 4 pm-6 pm) on weekdays, especially on Mondays and Fridays. They also tend to be higher during holidays, such as Easter and summer, when more people travel to or from the south coast. The traffic volumes on the A21 tend to be lower during off-peak hours (10 am-4 pm and 7 pm-10 pm) on weekdays and during weekends and bank holidays.

Traffic incidents and roadworks can also affect the traffic volumes and conditions on the A21. Some of the common causes of delays and congestion on the A21 are:

• Accidents and breakdowns, especially on single carriageway sections or junctions.
• Roadworks and maintenance, such as resurfacing, widening or improvement schemes.
• Variable speed limits and smart motorway schemes, which can change according to traffic flow and congestion.
• Weather conditions, such as fog, rain or snow, which can reduce visibility and traction.

Traffic delays for the A21 road in Southern England. Latest travel news from UK Traffic Delays. Avoid congestion and A21 roadworks with our live travel reports—the latest traffic reports for the UK’s major roads.

Nearby Places To Visit

If you are planning to travel on the A21, you might be interested in some of the attractions that you can find along the way. Here are some of the highlights:

• Knole House: a magnificent stately home and deer park near Sevenoaks, owned by the National Trust. You can explore the historic rooms, gardens and parkland and see one of England’s finest collections of furniture and paintings. Knole House is just off junction 5 of the M25 and about 3 miles (5 km) from the A21.
• Penshurst Place: a medieval manor house and gardens near Tonbridge, dating back to the 14th century. You can admire the architecture, art and history of this ancestral home of the Sidney family and enjoy the formal gardens, adventure playground and woodland trails. Penshurst Place is about 4 miles (6 km) from the A21.
• Scotney Castle: a romantic ruin surrounded by a moat and a landscaped garden near Lamberhurst. You can visit the Victorian country house, the medieval castle and the 780-acre estate, which offers stunning views of the Kentish countryside. Scotney Castle is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the A21.
• Bewl Water: a reservoir and country park near Lamberhurst, offering a range of outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, sailing and canoeing. You can also enjoy a scenic boat trip or a meal at one of the cafes or restaurants. Bewl Water is about 2 miles (3 km) from the A21.
• Battle Abbey: a historic site and museum near Battle, marking the famous Battle of Hastings location in 1066. You can learn about the Norman conquest of England, see the abbey ruins built by William the Conqueror, and walk on the battlefield where King Harold fell. Battle Abbey is about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the A21.

These are just some attractions you can find along the A21 road in England. There are many more to discover, such as castles, gardens, museums, vineyards and wildlife parks. Whether looking for history, culture, nature or adventure, you will find something to suit your interests on this scenic route.

Traffic delay information supplied by UK Traffic Delays. The latest A21 road traffic reports, roadworks and travel news for South East England. Our A21 travel news is as up-to-date as possible, but please always check with local radio news sources and allow plenty of time for your journey.

UK Traffic Delays is a reliable source of updated travel information, obtained under licence from official data providers. London travel information is used under license from TfL: Powered by TfL Open Data.

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