BANK JUNCTION: Review confirmed to allow black cabs and other vehicles 24/7 access through junction

The City of London Corporation (COLC) have confirmed a review will take place that could see restrictions on black cabs and other drivers crossing through Bank junction on weekdays lifted.

In a motion passed at the Court of Common Council, elected Members agreed to review all traffic restrictions currently in force. It will look at specific justifications for the restrictions and whether schemes comply with existing policy.

Currently only buses, cyclists and pedestrians have been allowed to access Bank Junction between 7am and 7pm on weekdays since 2017.

The motion put forward by Alderman Timothy Hailes, last week supported by 45 members of the Court of Common Council, focused originally on just allowing future access to wheelchair accessible black cabs. However, a review for wider private vehicle usage has now been granted.

In 2018 the COLC most senior decision-making body voted to make a 16-month experimental safety scheme at the Bank junction, which excluded 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.