Councillors have voted to allow taxi access to Bank Junction in the City of London for the first time in seven years.

The current rules were introduced in 2017 and restrict access to buses, cyclists and pedestrians only during weekdays.

I have long argued that black cabs are essential public transport for many disabled people and should be included, with buses and cyclists, to ensure accessibility for all in this fabulous part of our great city.

It is a question of equality and inclusion.  Whether for business, leisure or tourism it makes sense to have black cabs through Bank.  It makes economic sense and it makes social sense. 

Before the vote I spoke to the BBC about why I had written to all members of the Common Council asking them to support the change:

For blind people, for anyone who has access needs, if they want a point to point journey, for leisure, for tourism, for work, they are effectively barred from this part of the city. That can’t be right, for equality. It can’t be right for our economy.

Chris Holmes, BBC London News, 19 June 2024

I am grateful to each and every Councillor who took the time to thoroughly debate the issues and seriously consider all aspects of a what the Transport Committee Report described as a situation in which “the arguments are finely balanced and the evidence is mixed.”

Currently, only buses and pedal cyclists are allowed to cross Bank junction or travel westbound on Cornhill between 0700-1900, from Monday to Friday.

Following this decision, pending approval from Transport for London, the Corporation have said a trial to allow taxis may begin in Spring 2025.

News coverage about the vote:

• Bank junction: Will taxis be allowed back? – BBC News
• Bank junction: Decision to be made on whether to lift weekday taxi ban | Evening Standard

• City Corporation votes to lift black cab restrictions at Bank Junction (cityoflondon.gov.uk)
• London black cabs to return to Bank Junction following vote (cityam.com)

Related coverage:

• City of London Bank Junction access review recommends committee continues BANNING black taxis (taxi-point.co.uk)
• ‘A DISASTER FOR THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE CITY: Lord Holmes calls for reinstatement of Black Cabs at Bank Junction (taxi-point.co.uk)
• Taxi Streetspace ban similar to ‘wrong-headed’ Bank Junction restrictions says Lord Holmes (taxi-point.co.uk)
• Accessibility Win on London’s Streets – Lord Holmes of Richmond MBE (lordchrisholmes.com)