BANK JUNCTION: Motion to ALLOW taxi access at all times set for Common Council meeting

A motion to ALLOW licensed taxis through Bank Junction at all times is set to be heard next week.

The motion put forward by Alderman Timothy Hailes will consider traffic orders situated in the Square Mile. The motion forms part of the Common Council Committee meeting on Thursday 21 April.

In 2018 the City of London Corporation’s (COLC) most senior decision-making body voted to make a 16-month experimental safety scheme at the Bank junction, which excluded wheelchair accessible taxis, permanent.

Since then taxi drivers and passengers have complained of longer journey times and high priced fares, especially for disabled users who regularly rely on wheelchair accessible black cabs.

In Alderman Timothy Hailes’ motion statement he says: “This Honourable Court notes that wheelchair users, people with mobility issues (including the visually impaired) and the socially vulnerable face particular transport challenges - especially late at night - and that licensed Hackney carriages provide a uniquely flexible, environmentally friendly, fully accessible, safe and trusted form of transportation.

Hailes adds: “That, notwithstanding the above report, the Planning & Transport Committee be required to draw up and present a draft traffic order no later than the June meeting of this Honourable Court specifically permitting E-W and W-E access to Bank Junction for licensed Hackney Carriages at all times, seven days a week.

“That, subject to approval for commencement of the statutory order-making process by this Honourable Court, any relevant statutory consultation process be undertaken and the decision on whether to make the order following feedback be reserved to this Honourable Court.”