Day 1 of Bank Junction vehicle ban - but video shows some drivers ignoring it

This morning saw Bank Junction in the heart of the City of London closed to all traffic other than buses and cyclists in what campaigners have called an "historic" move - but video from the scene shows that some motorists appear to be ignoring the ban.

Footage from an Evening Standard report shows taxis, cars, vans and a lorry being driven through the junction - despite all now being  banned from it between 7am and 7pm on weekdays.

During the opening weeks of the 18-month trial, motorists caught driving through the junction between those hours will be given a "warning notice," according to City of London planning and transportation chair Chris Hayward.

He said: “We are first going to warn people of the new regulations, we won’t penalise them straight away and then persistent offenders will be given fines.”

The junction is one of the most dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians alike in the capital and the campaign group Stop Killing Cyclists held a 'live-in' to celebrate the changes this morning as well as laying flowers in memory of Ying Tao, the 26-year-old who was killed at Bank as she rode to work in 2015.

The group's co-founder, Donnachadh McCarthy, said:  “It is a historic day for cyclists and pedestrians in London.

“We congratulate City of London for taking the steps to change the lifestyle for cyclists in the city."

Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell described Bank as "a notoriously dangerous junction"  and that incidents in which vulnerable road users are injured or killed "are happening to our friends and neighbours."

She added: "Road safety isn't just a problem for someone, it's a problem for all Londoners."

In a comment on the Standard's story, someone who works nearby said the traffic restrictions"will also make the area far more appealing to tourists and spending lunchbreaks in front of the Bank of England on a nice day like today far more pleasant."

The City of London Corporation said it would take on board feedback during the trial ahead of consulting on permanent changes for the junction.

Pictures courtesy Bikesy.co.uk.