BANK JUNCTION: “There is no evidence supporting the continuation of the black cab ban” says Lord Holmes

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This lunchtime, the Common Council of the City of London faces a crucial decision that could reshape access at one of the capital’s key thoroughfares. The council will vote on whether to lift restrictions and allow black cabs to navigate through Bank Junction once again.

Bank Junction has been subject to stringent and controversial traffic regulations since May 2017. Introduced under a £1.7 million initiative, the restrictions aimed to enhance road safety in the bustling area. Currently, only buses and cyclists can traverse the junction or travel westbound on Cornhill from Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm.

Notably, black cabs, which are fully wheelchair accessible and have no recorded accidents at the junction, have been excluded from these hours of operation.

Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE, a staunch advocate for the return of black cabs, has urged council members to reconsider the ban.

Lord Holmes told TaxiPoint: “Later this lunchtime the Common Council of the City of London will decide whether to allow black cabs back through Bank Junction. I have written to every member of Common Council urging them to do just that.

“There is no evidence supporting the continuation of the black cab ban.

“It is a question of equality, of accessibility. Whether for business, leisure or tourism it makes sense to have black cabs through Bank. It makes economic sense, it makes social sense. For accessibility, for inclusion, for the good name of our City, to all Common Councillors, decide, choose equality this lunchtime and get the black cabs back at Bank.”