Two stretches of a vital trunk road should be turned into a dual carriageway without delay, MPs have demanded.

Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark (Con) is among a contingent of politicians calling for improvements to the A21.

They want it to be a dual carriageway between Tonbridge and Pembury and from Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst.

Campaigners who will take their case to transport minister Tom Harris also include KCC leader Paul Carter (Con) and MPs from Hastings and Bexhill.

It comes after all the MPs whose constituencies border the A21 signed a letter to the South East England Regional Transport Board.

“The A21 is the main road between the M25 and the South Coast and these improvements are vital if the misery and frustration suffered by local people are to be brought to an end.

“Twice, the Regional Transport Board have overturned recommendations which would have delayed the dualling and caused the price to escalate. We can’t allow this essential work to be put back further.

“The Secretary of State promised to start work on the improvement scheme in 2010/2011 and tomorrow we will be seeking the Minister’s re-assurance that this timetable will be kept.”