The B243 is a short urban road in two sections, each about one mile long, in the London Borough of Croydon. The road was unclassified in 1922 but had definitely gained its number by the 1950s.
South Croydon – East Croydon
Park Hill Road
The road starts in South Croydon at a mini roundabout junction on the B274 St Peters Road and the B275 South End Road/Selsdon Road. We take Croham Road and proceed under the railway bridge carrying the main London to Brighton and East Grinstead branch lines. Next we turn left at a TOTSO into South Park Hill Road. This is one of the more refined areas of Croydon with largish houses and trees lining the road. It's not too long before a mini roundabout is reached and a right turn is necessary. A very short multiplex with the A212 follows after which a left exit is made at the next mini roundabout. Turning into Park Hill Road the road sign from the other direction on the A212 still indicates that this is the A2039, although this road is now defunct. Park Hill Road is again leafy and it is followed to a roundabout on the A232 primary route, where this section ends. The southern section of the B243 is one mile (1.6 km) long. The road was apparently only briefly numbered A2039 and seems to have regained its pre-Class I number.
East Croydon – Woodside Green
Woodside Green leading to the terminal lights
After a short multiplex north along the A222 the northern section of the B243 starts at a roundabout junction on that road, not too far from East Croydon Station. The road is quite straight and has no lights or roundabouts until it terminates at a traffic-light junction with the A215. Because it misses the shops of Addiscombe and is actually shorter, it is generally faster than the A-road alternative, the A222 and A215. However, the right turning traffic at the terminal lights can cause issues. This section is 1.1 miles (1.8 km) long.