21/05/2020
Bank Junction, a bustling nexus in the heart of the City of London, has long been a focal point for traffic management and urban planning. Its intricate layout and high volume of commuters necessitate precise regulations to ensure smooth flow. For London's iconic licensed black taxis, navigating this area has seen various adjustments over the years. Now, significant new changes are on the horizon, promising to reshape how these essential vehicles move through one of the capital's busiest intersections, all operating on an experimental basis to gauge their effectiveness.
These upcoming modifications are specifically designed to enhance accessibility for licensed taxis, distinguishing them from general traffic and private hire vehicles. Understanding the detailed timeline and specific access points is crucial for both drivers and passengers to make the most of these new arrangements and avoid any potential confusion.
Understanding the Phased Approach to Cornhill Access
Gaining full, comprehensive access to Cornhill for licensed taxis will be introduced in a two-stage process, each linked to specific dates and operational conditions. This phased implementation is vital to ensure an orderly transition and manage the impact of concurrent highway works in the vicinity.
Phase One: Eastbound Access from Poultry to Cornhill
The initial and immediate change will come into effect from Monday 28 July 2025. From this date, licensed (Black) taxis will be permitted to travel eastbound from Poultry directly into Cornhill. This new route will be operational on weekdays, Monday to Friday, between 7am and 7pm.
This particular access point is a significant development, offering a more direct route for taxis heading towards the eastern parts of the City. It aims to reduce circuitous journeys and improve efficiency for both drivers and passengers. However, it comes with a critical caveat that drivers must strictly observe: during these operational hours, taxis will not be allowed to turn towards Monument or London Bridge at the junction. This restriction is in place to prevent bottlenecks and ensure the smooth flow of traffic along the designated experimental route. Adherence to this rule is paramount for the success of the trial and to avoid penalties.
Phase Two: Unlocking Westbound Access via Leadenhall Street
The second phase, which completes the intended access for taxis into Cornhill, is directly linked to ongoing infrastructure projects. Also commencing from Monday 28 July 2025, Leadenhall Street will undergo a temporary westbound closure. This closure is necessary to facilitate essential highway works associated with the significant 1 Leadenhall Street Development, located near the junction with Bishopsgate.
While this temporary closure might initially seem like a hindrance, its completion is the key to unlocking the full intended access for taxis. The highway works are currently expected to be completed in October 2025. Once these works are finished, licensed taxis will then be able to enter Cornhill and travel westbound through the junction as originally intended by the Experimental Traffic Order. This will provide a more comprehensive and flexible routing option for black cabs, significantly improving their ability to navigate this complex area of the City in both directions.
Why These Changes Matter for London's Licensed Taxis
These new regulations underscore the unique position of licensed (Black) taxis within London's transport network. It is crucial to remember that while these specific access points are being opened for black cabs, the broader restrictions at Bank Junction remain firmly in place for other road users. General traffic, including Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs), are strictly not permitted to travel across Bank during the restricted times, which are Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm.
This continued differentiation highlights the City of London Corporation's recognition of licensed taxis as an integral part of public transport, offering a distinct service that warrants specific allowances to enhance urban mobility. For drivers, these changes could translate into reduced journey times, lower fuel consumption due to more direct routes, and an overall improvement in operational efficiency. For passengers, it means a potentially quicker and more convenient service when travelling to and from key locations around the Bank area, reinforcing the advantages of choosing a traditional black cab.
The "Experimental Basis" and Your Opportunity to Provide Feedback
The implementation of these new access rules is described as being on an "experimental basis." This means that the changes are being introduced as a trial, allowing the City of London Corporation to monitor their impact and gather feedback before making them permanent. This approach ensures that the new traffic arrangements are effective and beneficial for all stakeholders.
A six-month public consultation period is scheduled to commence in October 2025. Crucially, this consultation will begin only after the full westbound access into Cornhill has been re-opened, ensuring that feedback is gathered on the complete experimental scheme. This is a vital opportunity for all affected parties – licensed taxi drivers, passengers, local businesses, and residents – to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and contribute to the decision-making process regarding the future of Bank Junction's traffic flow. Your input will be instrumental in shaping whether these experimental changes become permanent fixtures of London's road network.
Similarly, the official monitoring of the experiment will not begin until the experimental order is operating as intended, meaning once both eastbound and westbound access points are fully open. This methodical approach ensures that the data collected for evaluation accurately reflects the scheme's performance in its complete form. For any specific enquiries relating to the experimental traffic order at Bank, individuals are directed to contact the Policy and Projects Team within the City of London Corporation.
It is important to reiterate that beyond these specific new access points for licensed taxis, there are no other changes to the existing movements or restriction times through Bank Junction. The core principle of restricting general traffic and private hire vehicles during peak hours remains unchanged, reinforcing the priority given to public transport and essential services, including licensed (Black) taxis.
| Date/Period | Route/Access for Licensed Taxis | Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From Mon 28 July 2025 | Eastbound from Poultry to Cornhill | Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm. STRICTLY NO turn towards Monument/London Bridge at the junction. Experimental. |
| From Mon 28 July 2025 | Leadenhall Street Westbound | CLOSED for highway works. This is a temporary closure affecting access to the junction. |
| From Approx. October 2025 | Westbound into Cornhill (through junction) | Opens ONLY AFTER Leadenhall Street highway works are completed. Part of the Experimental Traffic Order. |
| Ongoing (Daily) | General Traffic & Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) across Bank Junction | NOT allowed Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm. These restrictions remain unchanged for other vehicles. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When exactly can licensed taxis enter Cornhill?
Licensed taxis will be able to travel eastbound from Poultry to Cornhill from Monday 28 July 2025. Full westbound access into Cornhill, through the junction, is expected to open around October 2025, once highway works on Leadenhall Street are completed. This means full two-way access will be available from October 2025 onwards, subject to the completion of the works.
Are Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) allowed to use these new routes?
No. General traffic, including Private Hire Vehicles, are not permitted to travel across Bank Junction during the restricted times (Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm). These new access rules are specifically and exclusively for licensed (Black) taxis.
What are the operational hours for these new taxi routes?
The new eastbound access from Poultry to Cornhill will be permitted Monday to Friday, between 7am and 7pm. It is anticipated that the westbound access, once opened, will operate under similar peak-hour restrictions.
What does "on an experimental basis" mean?
It means the changes are being implemented as a trial. The City of London Corporation will monitor the impact of these changes on traffic flow and the environment. A public consultation will follow, allowing for feedback, and the data collected will inform whether the changes should be made permanent or adjusted.
Can I turn towards Monument or London Bridge from Cornhill after using the new eastbound route?
No, a crucial restriction is that taxis will not be allowed to turn towards Monument or London Bridge at the junction during the specified operational hours (Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm). Drivers must adhere to the designated route and not deviate towards these areas.
How can I provide feedback on these changes?
A six-month public consultation will begin in October 2025, following the reopening of westbound access into Cornhill. This will be your formal opportunity to provide feedback on the experimental traffic order. Details on how to submit feedback will be made available closer to the consultation start date.
Why is Leadenhall Street closed westbound?
Leadenhall Street is being closed westbound to facilitate essential highway works associated with the 1 Leadenhall Street Development, near the junction with Bishopsgate. This closure is temporary and its completion is a prerequisite for unlocking the full westbound access into Cornhill for taxis as part of the experimental scheme.
These upcoming changes at Bank Junction represent a significant evolution in urban traffic management, specifically tailored to benefit London's licensed (Black) taxis. By providing more direct and efficient routes, the City of London aims to enhance the service offered by black cabs, contributing to a smoother and more sustainable transport network. It is essential for all drivers to familiarise themselves thoroughly with these new rules and dates, especially the two-phased approach to Cornhill access and the strict turning restrictions. Staying informed and compliant will ensure that London's iconic taxis continue to play their vital role in keeping the capital moving efficiently.
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