Drivers using a key route in Kent are being warned of significant changes to roadside stopping points for a month-long period. All lay-bys on both sides of the A21 near Tonbridge will be closed around the clock while essential carriageway repairs are carried out.
Details of the A21 Lay-By Closures
The closures, confirmed in a public notice (Ref: NH/SE/2025/A21/78), will affect the stretch of the A21 between the Philpots Lane overbridge and the A26 northbound carriageway overbridge at Quarry Hill. This area falls within the TN1 and TN2 postcode districts.
The shutdown is scheduled to begin on or after Monday, 12 January 2026, from 12pm midday. National Highways Limited, which manages the strategic road network, states the restrictions will remain in force for approximately four weeks.
The legal authority for the move comes from an order made under Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This order officially comes into force on Saturday, 10 January 2026, and can last for up to eighteen months, though it will be lifted as soon as the works are finished.
Why the Safety Measures Are Necessary
National Highways has explained that the full closure of every adjacent lay-by is a critical safety precaution. With contractors working directly on the carriageway, having vehicles pulling in and out of stopping areas next to live traffic lanes creates a serious risk of collisions.
"The lay-by closures are necessary to maintain safe working conditions for our contractors," a spokesperson said. "It removes potential conflicts between site operations and vehicles using the lay-bys, protecting both roadworkers and the travelling public."
What Road Users Need to Know
It is vital for motorists to understand the scope of these restrictions. The notice specifies that through traffic on the A21 itself is not being closed. The measure applies solely to the lay-bys running alongside the carriageways.
Drivers, particularly those on long journeys, are strongly advised to:
- Plan rest breaks in advance of their trip.
- Use alternative service areas or facilities located off the A21 corridor.
- Pay close attention to on-road signage, which will clearly indicate which lay-bys are closed and for how long.
Businesses or residents who believe they may be adversely affected by the closures are encouraged to seek advice from National Highways. The team can be contacted on 0300 123 5000 or via email at info@nationalhighways.co.uk to discuss specific access or operational needs during the works period.
The full legal notice is available for public viewing on the official Public Notice Portal and was also published in the Sevenoaks Chronicle newspaper.
