A21 safety package
National Highways has committed to deliver a suite of safety improvements along the A21 route corridor from Sevenoaks to Hastings. We have brought forward this package of works in recognition of the safety improvements they will make to the travelling public and local communities.
Project information
The A21 has, for many years, suffered from a significant level of collisions.
We are bringing forward a series of schemes to improve safety along this corridor, which will include, amongst others:
- junction improvements
- improvements to road alignment and visibility
- changes to speed limits
- improved signing, markings and road studs
This work is to improve safety and won't improve capacity along the A21. We'll be looking at that as part of our 'route strategy' work which is due to start shortly.
Improving safety along the A21 - reducing the number, severity and frequency of incidents for the travelling public and local communities
Improving the customer experience of the A21
Reducing journey time delays as a result of a reduction in incidents
A21/A25 junction improvements
Our safety data shows there has been several incidents at the junction of the A21 and A25. We’ll be improving the signage and visibility at this junction during 2021.
Sevenoaks Bypass laybys
There has been a cluster of incidents relating to vehicles exiting laybys on the A21 Sevenoaks Bypass. We are looking at the layout of the laybys to see if these can be changed, and reduce the risk of collisions. This review in ongoing, and we’re aiming to have a design ready in late 2021, with any changes being made in 2022.
Road markings and signage
We’ll be improving road markings and signage along the A21 to ensure it is consistent along the route. This includes:
- improving the information, visibility and positioning of signs
- removing signs that are no longer needed and replacing any that are old or damaged
- reducing the amount of sign clutter at the roadside
- improving the visibility, condition and type of road markings
These improvements are due to start in 2022.
Road markings and signage
We’ll be improving road markings and signage along the A21 to ensure it is consistent along the route. This includes:
- improving the information, visibility and positioning of signs
- removing signs that are no longer needed and replacing any that are old or damaged
- reducing the amount of sign clutter at the roadside
- improving the visibility, condition and type of road markings
These improvements are due to start in 2022.
Scotney Castle to north of Flimwell
We’re continuing to gather and review information for the A21 between Scotney Castle and north of Flimwell to understand more about the incidents that occur. This will then allow us to look at possible improvements.
Ashdene garages
There have been several incidents linked to vehicles going to and leaving the service stations at Ashdene. We’re looking at how we can improve the visibility, signage and road markings to make this area safer for all road users. This review in ongoing, and we’re aiming to have a design ready in late 2021, with any changes being made in 2022.
A21 / A229 Coopers Corner junction
We’re continuing to gather and review information relating to the A21 / A229 Cooper Corner junction to help us understand more about incidents that occur here.
Road markings and signage
We’ll be improving road markings and signage along the A21 to ensure it is consistent along the route. This includes:
- improving the information, visibility and positioning of signs
- removing signs that are no longer needed and replacing any that are old or damaged
- reducing the amount of sign clutter at the roadside
- improving the visibility, condition and type of road markings
These improvements are due to start in 2022.
A21 Moat Lane junction
We’re continuing to gather and review information relating to the A21 Moat Lane junction to help us understand more about incidents that occur here.
A21 Marley Lane junction
We’re continuing to gather and review information relating to the A21 Marley Lane junction to help us understand more about incidents that occur here.
A21 Hurst Green, Vinehall, Whatlington and Kent Street
We’re looking at how we can improve safety and accessibility of pedestrian routes through the villages of Vinehall, Whatlington and Hurst Green and along Kent Street.
A21 / B2244 Tolgate Road junction
We’re continuing to gather and review information relating to the A21 / B2244 Tolgate Road junction to help us understand more about incidents that occur here. As part of this, we’re reviewing the pedestrian routes around the junction to identify any possible improvements.
A21 / B2089 & B2090 junctions
There have been several incidents at the junctions of the A21 and the B2089 and B2090. We’ll be making improvements to both junctions to reduce the risk of collisions. These improvements will change how you access the B2089 and B2090 from the A21. Design for these improvements is underway and we’re planning to start work in summer 2022.
Road markings and signage
We’ll be improving road markings and signage along the A21 to ensure it is consistent along the route. This includes:
- improving the information, visibility and positioning of signs
- removing signs that are no longer needed and replacing any that are old or damaged
- reducing the amount of sign clutter at the roadside
- improving the visibility, condition and type of road markings
These improvements are due to start in 2022.
Alongside the safety package project, we’re also continuing with our usual maintenance and repairs of the road. More information, along with other work we’re completing on our network, can be found on our South East maintenance schemes page.
Castle Hill
We’re continuing to investigate the flooding issues at Castle Hill to help identify possible improvements.
A review is also taking place of the temporary barrier that is in place alongside the shared footpath and cycleway. We’ll be looking at designing and installing a permanent solution.
Filmwell
We’ll be replacing the chevron signs on the road at Filmwell.
Hurst Green
We’ll be replacing the street lights at Hurst Green to improve visibility.
Documents

Traffic information
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