Black cabs to stay on Bank Junction after mixed safety trial
City of London Corporation plans to extend weekday taxi access beyond January 2027 despite higher casualty rates and divided public opinion.
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The City of London Corporation announced on 29 July 2026 that it will recommend extending the experimental traffic order that lets black cabs travel east‑west through Bank Junction on weekdays. The recommendation will be presented to the Planning and Transportation Committee, which meets next week, and aims to keep the arrangement in place beyond the current expiry in January 2027.
How the trial was set up
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In June 2024 the Corporation voted to lift a 2017 restriction that limited the junction to pedestrians, buses and cyclists between 7 am and 7 pm, Monday to Friday. The trial began on 28 July 2025, allowing licensed black cabs to move between Poultry and Cornhill during those hours.
Licensed taxis are part of London's public transport network, and decisions about their access should be based on evidence rather than treating them in the same way as private cars.
Paul Brennan, Chairman, London Taxi Drivers' Association
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Public reaction and safety concerns
The statutory consultation attracted almost 4,000 responses. MyLondon reported that 88% supported the east‑west cab access, with 80% of those respondents being taxi drivers or passengers. By contrast, 72% of cyclists who answered opposed the change, a view echoed by Simon Munk of the London Cycling Campaign, who warned that more motor vehicles could worsen road safety.
Questions this report answers
+What decision has been made about black cabs at Bank Junction?
The City of London Corporation will ask its Planning and Transportation Committee to continue the experimental order that permits black cabs to use Bank Junction on weekdays after the current expiry in January 2027. The committee is expected to vote next week.
+How did the trial affect taxi availability and safety?
Data show the number of taxis available between 7 am and 7 pm rose from 548 in June 2025 to 878 in June 2026, suggesting improved access. However, the estimated annual casualty rate increased from a three‑year baseline of 5.67 to about nine per year during the trial period.
+What did the public consultation reveal?
Of the almost 4,000 respondents, 88% backed the east‑west black‑cab access, with the majority being taxi drivers or passengers. Among cyclists, 72% opposed the change, highlighting a split view between road users.
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