Cars could be banned from a number of streets around Bank station next year, as part of a swathe of proposals designed to revamp the Square Mile’s busiest commuter hub.
Threadneedle Street, Queen Victoria Street and Princes Street, EC2, are all in line for significant reductions in traffic under consultations launched by the City of London Corporation today.
The plans also include widening pavements to improve safety around the junction.
If they get the green light, the improvements would coincide with next year’s full reopening of Bank Tube station, which has been undergoing significant works to expand its capacity since 2016.
The station has long been viewed as a priority by the City Corporation for public realm improvements.
Of the main proposals, Threadneedle Street would see the most drastic change, with cars, buses and taxis banned along the section running from Bank junction to Bartholomew Lane, just past the Bank of England.
Parts of Queen Victoria Street could also be closed off to drivers, while Princes Street would become a one-way street.
The most recent figures show that 125 people were killed and 3,780 seriously injured cycling in London in 2019. Mayor Sadiq Khan has promised to reduce casualties by 65% by 2022.
Alastair Moss, City of London Corporation’s planning chair, said he wanted to improve safety at what had once been “a busy and dangerous intersection” at Bank junction.
“By making subtle changes to just a few of the arms of the junction, we will ensure the streets are even safer for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as being able to provide welcome improvements to the public realm in this busy part of the City.
“We encourage all of those who work, live and visit the City to provide their thoughts on the plan as we look forward to welcoming more people back to the Square Mile as the lockdown restrictions are eased.”
The public consultation on the proposed changes will run for six weeks until 10 May.
To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@egi.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @estatesgazette
