Fewer collisions at Bank junction and in surrounding area since motor vehicle ban

A daytime ban on vehicles other than buses and bicycles has resulted in a significant drop in the number of collisions at Bank junction in London. The London Evening Standard reports that from 2012 to 2016 there were 107 casualties at the junction, an average of 21 a year, while in the first six months of the scheme just six crashes were recorded.

The six crashes comprised four between cyclists and pedestrians, one involving two cyclists and one when a car turned right into a cyclist. All resulted in slight injury except one in which a pedestrian was seriously injured in a collision with a cyclist.

The number of road casualties in the wider area around Bank also fell from 51 to 34, and from 97 to 75 across the entire Square Mile.

Reports by the City of London Corporation also reveal that there has been a reduction in air pollution since the scheme began.

The ban was introduced in May following the death of cyclist Ying Tao. It applies from 7am to 7pm on Mondays to Fridays and will run for 18 months. The City of London Corporation are due to review the scheme in July.

Drivers who flout the ban are sent £130 fines. An early report stated that more than nine in 10 motorists were complying, but more than 100,000 fines were issued in the first four months.