About This Camera
Camera Location & Hazard Overview
This camera watches the A2 near Arbuthnot Lane, on the Bexley stretch of one of South East London's most important commuter roads — a three-lane dual carriageway running motorway-standard from the Sun in the Sands roundabout through to beyond Bexley, sitting inside the average speed camera zone that covers most of this corridor.
Traffic Pattern & Congestion Trends
Live traffic here builds from around 07:00 as Kent commuters join the A2 for the run into London and the Blackwall Tunnel Approach, with a genuine peak 07:45–09:15. Evening traffic reverses from 16:45, often worse on Fridays as weekend getaway traffic adds to the standard commute. Because this stretch has no traffic signals, congestion almost always signals a real incident or lane closure ahead rather than routine junction queuing — a road closure alert here is worth taking seriously.
Traffic Fines & Camera Enforcement
Average speed cameras cover this whole zone, enforcing 50mph through any roadworks sections and the national limit elsewhere — repeat offenders risk a totting-up ban given how consistently this stretch is monitored. The ULEZ applies across all of Bexley 24/7, so check tfl.gov.uk/ulez if unsure about your vehicle's compliance. No stopping is permitted on the hard shoulder except in a genuine emergency.
Road Closures & Alternative Routes
If this camera shows a standstill, it's very likely a collision or breakdown further along toward Black Prince or Danson — check TfL's live disruptions page for the exact location before deciding whether to divert. Local drivers commonly peel off at Bexleyheath or Sidcup and use the A207/A222 through Blackfen to rejoin the A2 further east when a serious accident is confirmed. Anyone shunted at motorway speed here should think carefully before accepting a quick cash settlement — a proper car accident compensation claim accounts for ongoing physiotherapy costs that only become clear weeks later.
Driver Safety & Local Tips
Locals who know this stretch treat Blackfen as their go-to alternative when the A2 genuinely locks up — slower per mile, but reliably moving when the main road isn't. If you see brake lights bunching here with no obvious local cause, it's usually the merge at Black Prince a mile ahead rather than anything happening at this exact spot.
ULEZ & Emissions
The London Borough of Bexley operates entirely within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which is active 24/7, every day of the year. Non-compliant vehicles (pre-Euro 6 diesel / pre-Euro 4 petrol) face a £12.50 daily charge. No Congestion Charge applies in this borough. Check your vehicle compliance at tfl.gov.uk/ulez.
Parking near A2 Arbuthnot Lane, South London
This stretch of the A2 sits well outside any CPZ — it's a dual carriageway with no roadside parking permitted at all, so don't even consider stopping here. For a genuine parking option nearby, head into Bexleyheath town centre, where Bexley Council runs several pay-and-display car parks payable via RingGo, alongside on-street CPZ bays requiring a permit Monday to Saturday. Bexley's resident permits run £132.50–£165 a year depending on whether you're inside or outside a town centre zone, with visitor scratch cards sold in books of ten. Blue Badge holders can park free and unlimited in council car parks. Full zone map and charges: bexley.gov.uk/parking.
If on-street parking is hard to find, apps like JustPark and YourParkingSpace let you pre-book a private driveway or car park nearby — typically from around £2–£6 per hour or £10–£25 per day depending on how central the location is.
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