Commuters across south-east London are facing major disruption this lunchtime after the Old Kent Road crash forced the closure of the A2.
The town-bound carriageway is shut between Peckham Park Road and St James’ Road, bringing traffic to a standstill on one of the capital’s busiest arterial routes.
Seven bus routes are caught up in the closure, with services being diverted or delayed around the scene. Transport for London has urged passengers to check live departures before setting out.
This is a developing story — updates to follow as we get them.
Live: what we know so far
Reports of the collision first emerged shortly after midday, with travel monitors flagging the closure at around 12.35pm. The circumstances of the crash have not yet been confirmed, and it is not known whether anyone has been injured.
Emergency crews are at the scene. The Metropolitan Police have been approached for comment, and no estimated reopening time has yet been given.
The Old Kent Road forms a key section of the A2, funnelling traffic between south-east London and the city centre. Closures here quickly send congestion rippling through Southwark and Bermondsey, and drivers are already reporting long queues on surrounding streets.
It is the second serious road incident in the capital today — a crash on the A503 at Tollington Road also blocked bus routes earlier this afternoon.
The key points
- The A2 at Old Kent Road is closed after a crash reported this lunchtime
- The town-bound carriageway is shut between Peckham Park Road and St James’ Road
- Seven bus routes are disrupted, with diversions in place around the scene
- Drivers are urged to avoid the area and expect long delays
Bus disruption
Bus passengers are bearing the brunt of the closure. With the town-bound carriageway shut, services that normally run along the Old Kent Road are being diverted, and knock-on delays are expected across the local bus network, where speeds have fallen to their lowest level in more than a decade.
Passengers should check TfL’s live status updates before travelling and allow plenty of extra time for journeys through the area.
Travel advice
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. Anyone heading through south-east London this afternoon should allow plenty of extra time.
Rail and Tube services may offer a quicker alternative while the closure remains in place.
The Old Kent Road has seen more than its share of disruption in recent months. We will continue to update this page as more details emerge from police and TfL.
