MPs representing constituencies along the A21 have re-formed the A21 Reference Group of MPs to lobby for major investment in this vital trunk road. Their key aim is to secure funding for the complete dualling of the A21 to Hastings, improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting local economic growth.
The A21 Reference group is formed of Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks, Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge, Mike Martin, MP for Tunbridge Wells, Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle and Helena Dollimore, MP for Hastings and Rye.
The southern section of the A21 is the least developed part of the Strategic Road Network in the region, making it vulnerable to accidents, congestion, and delays—particularly south of Pembury. These issues hamper economic growth and business investment and act as a barrier to social mobility in coastal towns such as Hastings and Bexhill.
The MPs will write to the Roads Minister to call for a new business case to be carried out on dualling the remaining single carriageway sections. They will also be raising ongoing road safety and maintenance concerns with National Highways who manage the road.
Kieran Mullan, MP for Bexhill and Battle said “The A21 Reference Group is a cross-party group of MPs who fully focused on delivering a safer, resilient A21 which is important for our businesses and residents. The A21 is the key route to London, the rest of the UK and Europe, the delays, congestion and ongoing safety concerns along the route must be addressed.”
Tom Tugendhat MP for Tonbridge said, "It is essential the Government continues to push for funding to ensure the A21 serves our communities well, both as crucial infrastructure for connectivity across the South, but also for those living close by. Residents in Tonbridge and the surrounding areas have been affected by lengthy diversions and delays as a result of maintenance works already. As new homes are planned near the A21 under the latest Local Plans, we must look seriously at ways to minimise disruption for families and businesses so that this route can deliver for all who depend on it.”
In photo from left to right: Helena Dollimore MP, Kieran Mullan MP, Tom Tugendhat MP, Mike Martin MP
