Casualties halved after vehicles were banned from central London junction
Journey times up and air pollution down over 12-month period
A trial scheme that banned all vehicles except buses from a central London junction resulted in a halving of the number of casualties over the last year.
Cars, taxis, vans, and lorries have all been banned from Bank junction between 07:00 and 19:00 hours on weekdays since last March, leaving only cyclists and buses allowed to use the junction.
A report issued by the City of London Corporation found that casualties on the junction itself had reduced by 52 per cent during the 12-month trial period, while casualties in the area surround the junction were also down by a third.
What's more, there were not only improvements to casualty rates as a result of the scheme, with bus journey times through the junction having been reduced by up to five minutes while levels of air pollution have reduced at the junction itself and in the wider area.
>>> Dangers of cycling in London highlighted by film of a month's worth of commuting (video)
The results of the trial scheme is now being considered by various committees within the City of London Corporation which will decide whether the vehicle ban is to be made permanent.
"I have always said that our number one priority for the experimental scheme at Bank junction is to improve safety," said Chris Hayward, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"That is why I am delighted to see the scheme succeed in reducing collisions and improving air quality. A busy junction used by 18,000 pedestrians every hour at rush hour; it has been a pleasure to see members of the public truly begin to enjoy this iconic area."
The vehicle ban was introduced following the death of 26-year-old cyclist Ying Tao in June 2015, with Ms Tao being killed at the junciton by a turning tipper lorry.
Following Ms Tao's death more than 13,000 people signed a petition calling for lorries to be banned from the junction during rush hour.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Giant's new Defy and Avail e-bikes pioneer a rear-hub motor and improved battery technology
The all-new Defy Advanced and Liv Avail E+ line-ups include an integrated power system that weighs just 2.3kg
By Luke Friend Published
-
Milan-San Remo addition will 'raise the level even higher' in women’s cycling, says Kasia Niewiadoma
'It's really motivating to see that in just one season, everything can change' says Tour de France Femmes winner as she reflects on a year of success on the road
By Tom Thewlis Published