Traffic congestion is a growing concern for motorists across the South East of England. Whether you’re commuting to work or just trying to get from A to B, heavy traffic can be a major frustration. Based on recent studies and reports, we’ve identified the ten most congested towns in Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. If you frequently drive in these areas, it’s worth planning your routes carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.
Surrey’s Worst Traffic Hotspots
1. Guildford
Guildford’s position as a major hub means traffic builds up quickly, especially on key routes like the A3, A31, and A25. Rush hour congestion is a daily struggle, particularly near Guildford Station and the town centre.
2. Woking
With its close links to London, Woking experiences heavy congestion, especially during peak hours. The Victoria Way and Chertsey Road areas often see long tailbacks.
3. Epsom
As a key commuter town, Epsom’s roads, including the A24 and A240, are frequently clogged with traffic. The presence of major retail centres and schools only adds to the congestion.
Kent’s Most Congested Towns
4. Maidstone
Maidstone’s central location and busy road network, including the A229 and A249, make it one of Kent’s most traffic-heavy towns. The M20 junctions nearby can also see severe delays.
5. Canterbury
As a historic city with high tourist footfall, Canterbury suffers from congestion, particularly on the A28 and within the city centre. Narrow roads and pedestrian areas add to the problem.
6. Dartford
The Dartford Crossing is infamous for its delays, and the surrounding roads often experience gridlock. The A282 and M25 junctions here are among the busiest in the UK.
Sussex’s Busiest Roads
7. Brighton & Hove
As one of the UK’s most popular coastal destinations, Brighton and Hove see significant traffic congestion. The A27, A23, and city centre roads are particularly problematic.
8. Worthing
With limited road space and a growing population, Worthing’s A27 and A259 routes are frequently congested, causing delays for drivers throughout the day.
9. Crawley
Proximity to Gatwick Airport means Crawley experiences high traffic levels. The M23, A23, and key local roads such as the A2011 often face long delays.
10. Eastbourne
Although not as busy as Brighton, Eastbourne still experiences congestion, especially on the A22 and A259. Peak tourist seasons further increase travel times.
How to Avoid Traffic Delays
If you regularly drive through these congested areas, consider using real-time traffic updates, alternative routes, or public transport where possible. Planning journeys outside peak times can also help reduce delays.
At 247 Auto Locksmith, we understand that getting stuck in traffic is frustrating—especially if you’re dealing with car key issues or lockouts. If you ever find yourself in need of emergency locksmith services in these areas, we’re just a call away!
Let us know in the comments: which town do you think has the worst traffic in Surrey, Sussex, or Kent?