The decision to allow black cabs back into the dangerous Bank Junction has been finalized by the City of London Corporation. The approved route for taxis to enter and exit Bank via Cornhill and Poultry during restricted hours has been agreed upon, with further traffic modeling to be conducted before the trial begins next spring. This comes after the junction was closed to taxis in 2017 following a fatal accident involving a cyclist.
The recommendation for the preferred route, known as ‘Option B’, was supported by many members due to its simplicity and safety compared to other proposals. Despite some dissent from Deputy Fredericks and Common Councillor Mary Durcan, Option B was ultimately approved by the committee. However, there is a risk that the trial may be delayed beyond spring 2025 due to potential issues following a cyber attack on TfL.
In addition to engaging with TfL and taxi trade representatives, a six-month public consultation will be held once the trial commences. It is important to ensure that safety remains a top priority throughout this process, especially considering the history of accidents at Bank Junction. The decision to reintroduce black cabs to this area will have significant implications for traffic flow and pedestrian safety, so it is crucial that all stakeholders are involved in the planning and implementation of this trial.
