Dr Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle, has criticised National Highways for refusing to pause the installation of traffic lights on the A21 at Hurst Green, after the agency failed to allow proper engagement with residents before works begin.
Despite widespread concern in the village about the risk of standing traffic and long tailbacks through Hurst Green once the lights are installed, National Highways has confirmed it will proceed with the scheme in the interests of road safety.
The traffic lights form part of the wider A21 Road Safety Project, launched in December 2020 to reduce the frequency and severity of collisions along the route between Lamberhurst and Hastings - one of the most dangerous stretches of road on the Strategic Road Network.
Dr Mullan said many in the community felt blindsided by the plans, with local representatives and the parish council only learning of the proposal around six weeks before construction was due to begin. Their key concerns are pollution, quality of life, unnecessary delays at junctions at off-peak times, impact of lighting on wildlife and design of street lighting which is not compatible with the heritage aims of the village.
Dr Mullan said: “National Highways should have brought proposals affecting the heart of Hurst Green to residents at a much earlier stage. Local people were denied the chance to share their lived knowledge of this difficult junction. Those living directly on the A21 are understandably worried that traffic lights will mean long queues of stationary traffic outside their homes, with all the associated air‑quality impacts. When they are presented with final proposals, they will inevitably be cynical that those concerns have been properly considered.”
He added: “Hurst Green is one of only two villages directly on the A21 route. Its primary school sits right on the roadside. Residents already face daily challenges navigating narrow pavements, speeding vehicles, HGVs, and dangerous junctions. I, and the previous MP for Hurst Green, have consistently asked National Highways to give this village special attention during the A21 safety programme, including full and early engagement with the community.”
Dr Mullan said he had requested a pause to implementation to allow time for proper consultation. However, following a series of hastily arranged meetings, secured at his insistence, National Highways has chosen to proceed, saying it does not expect the scheme to create the impacts feared by residents.
He has now written to the Roads Minister to raise concerns about the lack of engagement and to highlight the potential consequences for the village.
The MP said “Ultimately, the long‑term answer is clear: the A21 south of Pembury must be fully dualled, with bypasses for Flimwell, Hurst Green, Whatlington and the other communities along its route. Villages are blighted daily by the sheer volume of traffic. Existing pinch points cause long delays, and any accident or roadworks brings the whole area to a standstill, harming our local economy and hindering future investment.”
