Black Cab Access at Bank Junction to Become Permanent
City of London officials recommend permanent daytime access for taxis at Bank Junction.
1Permanent Access Recommendation
The City of London Corporation has recommended making the trial allowing black cabs through Bank Junction permanent. This decision follows a test period initiated in July 2025. Licensed taxis are now permitted to travel east-west between Poultry and Cornhill during daytime hours, reversing previous restrictions that limited access to buses and cyclists.
2Historical Context of Restrictions
Bank Junction was previously designated as the most dangerous intersection in the Square Mile. To mitigate risks, authorities had restricted access to pedestrians, buses, and cyclists between 7am and 7pm on weekdays. The recent policy shift acknowledges the role of taxis as a vital component of the broader London public transport network.
3Public Consultation Results
A public consultation revealed a stark divide in opinion regarding the traffic changes. Approximately 88 percent of the 4,000 respondents supported the east-west access for black cabs, with a significant majority being taxi drivers or passengers. Conversely, 72 percent of cyclists expressed opposition, citing concerns over potential road safety degradation at the site.
4Safety Data Analysis
Casualty statistics show fluctuations during the observation period. Between January 2022 and December 2024, the average was 5.67 casualties annually. From August 2025 to March, the average rose to nine casualties per year. However, reports indicate that no recorded collisions involved a taxi, and only two incidents occurred on the east-west corridor.
5Stakeholder Perspectives
Paul Brennan, chairman of the London Taxi Drivers’ Association, welcomed the recommendation but noted a preference for earlier restoration of access. He emphasized that taxis should be treated as public transport rather than private vehicles. Meanwhile, Simon Munk from the London Cycling Campaign warned that increased vehicle volume threatens overall road safety standards.
6The 2023 Collision Anomaly
Official reports highlighted that 2023 saw only one collision at the junction, which was described as an anomaly in the data. This specific event significantly lowered the three-year average for the 2022-2024 period. Analysts use this context to explain why the statistical average for casualties appears lower than the most recent figures.
7Broader Regulatory Challenges
The City of London Corporation faces ongoing pressure to balance diverse transport needs within the Square Mile. Beyond the Bank Junction debate, officials are navigating other controversies, including conflict of interest concerns regarding e-bike oversight and protests against traffic bans on Oxford Street, reflecting the complexity of urban mobility management in London.
8Future Policy Implications
The final decision now rests with the committee, which is expected to review the officers' recommendation. If approved, the permanent status will solidify the east-west corridor for taxis, marking a shift toward evidence-based access policies. Stakeholders will continue to monitor casualty rates to determine if the current arrangement remains viable for all users.
Original article: Evening Standard — Black Cab Access at Bank Junction to Become Permanent