Black taxis will soon return to the heart of the City of London following a decision by the Corporation of London’s governing body, the Court of Common Council, to roll back restrictions implemented seven years ago. These measures, initially adopted to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians at the busy Bank Junction outside the Bank of England, prohibited all private motor vehicles during working hours due to a series of accidents.
Between 2012 and 2016, there were 107 recorded injury-causing incidents, including two fatal cyclist crashes, prompting the initial closure. However, street renovations have since improved safety, leading opponents of the closure to argue for reopening the junction to black cabs. This change aims to enhance accessibility for people with limited mobility, who have found the closure obstructive.
Pending approval from Transport for London, the trial return of licensed black cabs to Bank Junction will be seen by pedestrian and cycling advocates as a potential setback. The City of London has been recognized for its recent street-level changes encouraging active transport, with increased pedestrian spaces and improved public amenities.
The area has transformed significantly since the workday through-traffic closure in 2017, with 1,500 square meters of new pedestrian space, benches, and greenery. This redevelopment has turned Bank Junction into a safer, quieter space, evidenced by the reduction to just one collision since 2017.
Despite the driving ban, taxis have continued to operate in the area for pickups and drop-offs, and research from the Corporation of London indicates that detours have not significantly increased journey times or fares. However, the number of black cabs has decreased, reflecting a broader shift towards ride-hailing apps among Londoners.
The debate over Bank Junction extends beyond safety concerns. The City of London is undergoing a pedestrian-friendly transformation, replacing car lanes with walkways, trees, benches, and cycle lanes. These changes respond to shifting transit patterns, with bicycles becoming the most popular form of transportation in the area since 2023. The City’s efforts aim to enhance its appeal as a desirable commute destination in a post-pandemic world of hybrid working.
Reintroducing taxis at Bank Junction will not undo these improvements but may challenge the City’s vision of a greener, cleaner future.
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