Cars, taxis, and lorries banned from major London junction in bid to improve cyclists' safety
Only cyclists and buses allowed to use Bank junction during working hours
Cars, taxis, and lorries have been banned from a major London junction in an effort to reduce cyclist and pedestrian casualties.
The scheme, which was introduced from 7am on Monday morning, will see only cyclists and buses allowed to use the Bank junction between 7am-7pm on weekdays, with fines of up to £130 for those who flout the ban.
34 cyclists and 31 pedestrians were injured at the junction between 2011 and 2016, with 26-year-old cyclist Ying Tao being killed by a truck in 2015.
>>> Cyclists' safety at risk from drivers who escape the law, finds 'truly shocking' inquiry
The City of London Corporation, which has introduced the ban, hopes that the scheme will help to reduce casualties at the junction by 50 to 60 per cent as well as improving air quality in the area.
The London Cycling Campaign has welcomed the move as a "massive step forward", urging people to be vocal in their support of the scheme to ensure that it is continued beyond the initial 18-month trial period.
However taxi drivers have not been quite as positive in their feedback, with Steve McNamara, general secretary of taxi drivers' union the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, describing it as "probably the craziest scheme anyone has suggested for some time".
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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.
-
Castelli Espresso Thermal Jersey review: doing the basics well
Sometimes keeping things simple works best, and so it is with Castelli's cosy, no-frills Espresso Thermal Jersey.
By Tim Russon Published
-
What's the biking equivalent of 10,000 steps a day?
The phrase 'gotta get my steps in' has become part of everyday life. But what if there were a simpler, faster way to meet your daily activity needs?
By Caroline Dezendorf Published