The City of London Corporation has now ruled out a full reopening, although it has announced a trial reopening of Bank Junction to black cabs from July 28. As a result of this judgment, black taxi drivers can now legally drive through the junction from west to east. Construction works are now ongoing on Leadenhall Street. LCC infrastructure campaigner Simon Munk had this to say about the announcement. More importantly, he warned about what the ramifications of the trial would be.
The junction has a contentious history, and is routinely cited as one of London’s most dangerous bike-car junctions. Since 2017, it has transformed dramatically since imposing restrictions that bar access to all but a handful of vehicles—mostly buses and bicycles. These changes are all about creating a safer environment. They’ve arrived in the wake of the tragic death of Ying Tao in 2015 who was killed by a lorry turning at Bank Junction.
While the trial aims to balance taxi accessibility and ongoing construction, Munk cautioned that it could lead to increased noise and congestion, particularly affecting bus traffic. He cautioned that reintroducing black cabs would be a greater risk to pedestrians, cyclists and the disabled. This modification could significantly increase the danger for all road users.
“It will likely mean noise, congestion for buses, and a potentially more hostile environment for walking, wheeling and cycling – and the evidence suggests that taxis and their users won’t benefit much if at all,” – Simon Munk.
During construction, the trial will allow black cabs to cross the junction in both directions. Once the work is expected to be done in October, there are better plans for this east to west access. The rapid and still ongoing construction soon caused local residents and advocacy organizations to flag traffic control and safety issues.
Paul Brennan, chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, addressed these issues. He labeled the development a positive step. He emphasized that this change marks “an important step towards ensuring the City of London is open and accessible,” benefiting both taxi drivers and passengers.
Tom Sleigh, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, praised the success of previous improvement works at Bank Junction. He remarked that these changes have made the region into an evermore pedestrian-oriented environment. Only then are people really comfortable, and only then can they truly enjoy their surroundings.
“The improvement works at Bank junction have been a great success, with many more people now relaxing and enjoying themselves in this more pedestrian friendly, vibrant area,” – Tom Sleigh.
While there was much positive feedback, Munk responded by restating his concerns about reintroducing antagonistic motor traffic into an area that has been successfully revitalized. Solomon cautioned that those changes might increase risks already faced.
“Reintroducing more motor traffic to a now beautiful, calm and people-friendly space still risks significantly worsening the junction,” – Simon Munk.
Community advocacy has played a huge role in shaping how traffic is managed at Bank Junction. This has all unfolded in parallel with the trial plans. After Ying Tao’s fatal accident, a movement sparked. Over 13,000 of you signed our petition calling on them to ban all lorries from the roads during rush hour – making the streets safer for everyone.
As the trial period begins, all stakeholders will be closely watching its impact. Above all, they want to understand traffic patterns and safety conditions at the Bank Junction. These results should inform the future development of access and infrastructure improvements in this key area of London and beyond.