A father of two from Tonbridge is advocating for improved safety measures on the A21 Tonbridge bypass following a harrowing experience in which he rescued another driver from a pond after a serious accident. Conor Hardy, 44, was involved in a crash that occurred when his vehicle aquaplaned due to surface water on a rainy day.
Describing the moment of the accident, Hardy recalled, “All I knew was I’d hit water, and I was on the side of the road.” After regaining some control, he managed to steer his car onto a grass bank. However, his initial relief quickly turned to concern as he noticed that two other vehicles had also collided nearby.
As he assessed the situation, Hardy saw a paramedic retrieving a crowbar from an ambulance. He learned that another car had overturned and ended up submerged in a nearby pond. In a swift act of courage, Hardy joined forces with ambulance personnel to break through the vehicle’s windscreen, creating an opening to rescue the trapped driver. Remarkably, the man, although injured with cuts and bruises, was pulled to safety and taken to the hospital.
Despite the miraculous rescue, Hardy expressed deep concern over the road’s safety. His accident, which took place in November 2022, is part of a troubling pattern. Data reveals that eight accidents have occurred in the same area since 2022. One incident in March of last year resulted in a tragic fatality when a driver overturned and landed in a water-filled ditch.
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National Highways, the agency responsible for maintaining the road, has stated that safety is their “top priority.” They conduct regular inspections and sweeps to ensure effective drainage. However, Hardy argues that the drainage issues in the area are significant, particularly as surface water accumulates on the road. “Where the actual 300-metre radius is, that’s where the gulley stops, and the water just pools in the middle of the road,” he explained. He is particularly alarmed by the potential danger to motorists traveling at high speeds.
This year alone, the area has been swept 36 times—a statistic Hardy believes underscores the severity of the drainage problem. He insists that a more proactive approach is necessary. Although temporary warning signs were placed after he raised his concerns, Hardy calls for permanent solutions, such as improved drainage and the installation of crash barriers to prevent vehicles from plunging into the pond.
“Clearly there is a problem,” he emphasized. “Sweeping helps, but it’s not addressing the underlying issue of the drainage there.” Hardy hopes that drawing attention to these safety concerns could avert future tragedies on this stretch of road.
In response to Hardy’s claims, a spokesperson from National Highways reaffirmed their commitment to safety, stating that they conduct regular inspections and will soon cut back surrounding vegetation to enhance drainage effectiveness. However, for many local drivers, including Hardy, the urgency for substantial changes remains paramount.
