Bank junction: Traffic to be banned from accident blackspot after death of City worker cyclist

Huge protest: Cyclists staged a 'die-in' at Bank junction
Nigel Howard
Chris Baynes20 May 2017

A ban on cars, taxis and lorries is to come into force at one of London’s most notorious junctions on Monday.

The ground-breaking safety scheme will prohibit all traffic except buses and bicycles from Bank junction between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.

It is to be trialled by the City of London Corporation for up to 18 months in a bid to make the area safer and greener.

The restrictions sparked protests among outraged cabbies but have been welcomed by cyclists.

Ying Tao, who was killed in a crash with a lorry at Bank 
City of London Police

Bike safety campaigners staged three demonstrations in six days at the "horrendous junction" after 26-year-old City worker Ying Tao was killed after being hit by a lorry as she cycled to work in June 2015.

Some 34 cyclists and 31 pedestrians were injured at the junction in the 7am to 7pm period between 2011 and last year.

The City of London Corporation hopes restricting traffic will cut casualties by 50 to 60 per cent.

The London Cycling Campaign, which organised one of the protests, has called the ban a "massive step forward".

Taxi drivers staged a series of demonstrations objecting to the restrictions, blocking roads with their cabs and bringing traffic to a standstill in January.

Protest: Black cab drivers at the junction
LondonTaxiPR

The United Cabbies Group described the ban as "probably the most unnecessary scheme that anyone has suggested in London for some time" and said taxis should be exempt.

Chris Hayward, chair of the City of London planning and transport committee, said: "Those who pass through Bank junction will know that it is incredibly busy, confusing and potentially dangerous area at peak times.

“Principally our motivation for implementing this scheme is to improve safety and reduce casualties.

"But Bank should also be a junction enjoyed and celebrated by users, a sentiment echoed by the local community, businesses and residents."

A decision on whether the ban will be become permanent will be made following the trial and a public consultation.

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