The City of London Corporation has today granted approval for an experimental safety scheme for Bank junction to start in April 2017. The measures are aimed at improving the safety of road users and pedestrians at one of London’s busiest junctions.

The measure was agreed at today’s Policy and Resources Committee by a vote of 22:1.

The scheme will mean limiting vehicle journeys through the junction, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7am and 7pm.

It will last up to 18 months and mean only cyclists and buses pass through the junction during the restricted time period.

The objective of this work at Bank junction is to deliver a safer area, reduce casualties and improve air quality at the junction. The expectation is that vehicle journey times in the vicinity will be improved or at least maintained.

The City Corporation has worked closely with TfL to ensure that the surrounding roads are not adversely impacted by the remodelled junction and that black taxis are well supported in continuing to trade effectively in the City.

Currently, 75% of collisions occur at Bank between 7am and 7pm and the City Corporation estimates show that the experimental safety scheme could mean a reduction in casualties of between 50-60% per year.

Chris Hayward, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said:

“Our number one priority for this work at Bank junction is to improve safety and reduce casualties.

“At the moment, Bank is too clogged full of traffic, confusing for road users and not really a place that people can enjoy, when it really should be, as one of London’s most iconic places.

“Proposing to restrict motor traffic during the weekdays at Bank is a decision we have therefore taken after careful consideration and in close discussion with the local community, businesses and residents.

“We will run a formal public consultation next year and a final decision on whether the scheme is to be made permanent will be made when we assess the success of this scheme.”

To deliver these improvements, vehicles will be rerouted via advance warnings and signage on the approach to the junction. Vehicle restrictions will be enforced via automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras with a penalty charge notice issued to drivers who contravene the experimental traffic order. New taxi ranks and an extension of existing taxi ranks will also be provided, while the City Corporation has been engaging with the taxi trade representatives on the changes.

-ENDS-

Media Enquiries

Jennifer Ogunleye

Media Officer, City of London Corporation

Jennifer.Ogunleye@cityoflondon.gov.uk

020 7332 3946 / 07710 860885