Black cabs will once again be permitted to navigate through Bank junction in the City of London as part of an 18-month trial.

Traffic restrictions, which primarily impacted all vehicles except for buses and bicycles, were put in place in 2017 following the tragic death of a cyclist and numerous injuries to over a hundred individuals.

The City of London council indicated that this decision will be “carefully monitored,” emphasizing that it offers essential access to the area for those unable to rely on public transportation, citing that black cabs boast a “strong” safety history.

Simon Munk from the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) expressed concerns, stating, “Allowing additional motor traffic into this now attractive, serene, and pedestrian-friendly space risks considerably deteriorating the condition of the junction.”

In 2015, 26-year-old cyclist Ying Tao lost her life after being struck by a lorry making a turn at the junction.

In the wake of her death, there was a protest at the site, leading to a petition that gathered over 13,000 signatures advocating for a ban on lorries during peak hours.

Currently, the only vehicles authorized to traverse the junction or head westbound on Cornhill between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, are buses and cyclists.

Commencing on July 28, as part of the trial, black cabs will initially be allowed to travel in an east-to-west direction while construction is ongoing on Leadenhall Street.

Once the construction concludes in October, black cabs will also be granted permission to move west to east.

The traffic restrictions for other vehicles, including private hire services, will remain unchanged.

A definitive decision regarding the permanence of these changes will be made at the conclusion of the trial.

This trial follows recent enhancement efforts at Bank junction, which the council stated made the area more straightforward and enjoyable.

Council members advocating for the easing of restrictions on black cabs pointed out their “strong safety record” and noted that a “significant majority” of them are now zero-emission vehicles.

They also highlighted the benefit for those who have difficulty walking, cycling, or using public transportation, who will find access to transport easier.

Tom Sleigh, the chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, remarked, “The improvement works at Bank junction have proven to be highly successful, leading to a more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly area where many now feel relaxed and enjoy their time.”

He added, “With this in consideration, we will be keeping a close watch on the effects of restoring taxi access during the trial.”

Mr. Sleigh continued, “Black cabs in the City have an outstanding safety record, and the fact that most of them are now electric vehicles could further enhance the area for individuals who cannot engage in active travel or require transport outside of public service hours.”

Mr. Munk from LCC welcomed the news that black cabs would not be permitted to turn at the junction, stating, “This is a positive step toward addressing the primary dangers of reintroducing motor traffic in this space.”

He noted, “However, it may bring about increased noise, bus congestion, and a potentially more hostile environment for those walking, wheeling, and cycling, and evidence suggests that taxi users may not see much benefit.”

Nevertheless, he concluded that the trial will provide an opportunity for evaluation based on its impacts by the end of the year.

Paul Brennan, chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, previously noted, “Common sense has triumphed,” describing this shift as “a crucial step toward ensuring the City of London remains open and reachable.”

Mr. Brennan added, “This trial will highlight the significance of taxi accessibility and will be advantageous for both the immediate area and the broader Square Mile.”