About this bus gate
The 'Bank on Safety' scheme — one of London's best-known camera-enforced restrictions, introduced in May 2017 after a cyclist was killed at the junction.
Restricted 7am–7pm Monday to Friday. Black cabs have been allowed through between Poultry and Cornhill since 28 July 2025 (both directions since October 2025) under an experimental traffic order — a permanent decision is due in autumn 2026; taxis cannot turn towards Monument or London Bridge.
Private hire vehicles and all general traffic remain banned during operating hours. Some arms (Queen Victoria Street at Mansion House Street, Threadneedle Street to Bartholomew Lane) are closed to all motor vehicles 24/7.
Who can use it
- Buses
- Black cabs (hackney carriages) — experimental trial
- Pedal cycles
Not permitted
- Cars
- Vans
- Lorries
- Private hire vehicles
- Motorcycles
Where exactly is it?
Bank Junction (Poultry, Cornhill, Princes Street, Queen Victoria Street, Threadneedle Street), City of London EC3. View on Google Maps →
Got a PCN from this camera?
Don't panic, and don't ignore it. Pay £80 within 14 days to halve the charge — or if the signage was unclear, the details are wrong, or you had a genuine reason to be in the lane, consider challenging it first. Our step-by-step appeal guide covers the grounds that actually win.
Frequently asked questions
What are the operating times of the Bank Junction bus gate?
The Bank Junction Restriction (Bank on Safety) in City of London operates 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, general traffic may use the road normally.
How much is the fine for driving through the Bank Junction bus gate?
City of London Corporation issues a Penalty Charge Notice of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. There are no penalty points — it is a civil penalty.
Who is allowed to use the Bank Junction bus gate?
Buses, black cabs (hackney carriages) — experimental trial and pedal cycles are permitted. Not permitted: cars, vans, lorries, private hire vehicles and motorcycles.
Can I appeal a PCN from the Bank Junction bus gate?
Yes, and it costs nothing. Make formal representations to City of London Corporation first — the authority that issued the PCN has to consider them before it can enforce the penalty. If City of London Corporation rejects them it must issue a Notice of Rejection, and you can then appeal free to the Environment and Traffic Adjudicators at London Tribunals. Its adjudicators are lawyers independent of the enforcing authority, and their decision is binding on both sides. The grounds that win here are that your vehicle was not in the bus gate during its operating times (7am–7pm Mon–Fri), that it was an exempt vehicle, or that the approach signage did not give enough warning before the point of no return. Note that paying the £80 discounted rate accepts liability and closes the case, so challenge before you pay.