A23 road

The A23 is a major road running from London to Brighton, passing through Surrey and West Sussex. It follows a route that has been used for centuries, with parts of it tracing Roman roads. The road begins near Lambeth North tube station and heads south through built-up areas like Kennington, Brixton and Streatham. It then continues through Croydon, Coulsdon and the North Downs before reaching the M23 motorway. From there, it skirts towns such as Merstham and Redhill before crossing into West Sussex. The A23 has long been a key route, shaped by turnpike trusts after Westminster Bridge opened in 1750. Its importance grew as Brighton developed into a fashionable seaside resort in the late 18th century. The road was classified in 1923, with its northern end originally at Purley. The M23 motorway was proposed to ease congestion but was never fully built north of Hooley. The A23 has also hosted the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run since its early days. Today, the A23 offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. It passes through commercial areas like Purley Way, home to large superstores, and crosses the North Downs near Coulsdon. The road then runs through quieter countryside before reaching Brighton, where it becomes London Road and ends at Old Steine near the Palace Pier. The route remains a vital link, carrying traffic and historic events alike.