David A Graham Associates (DAGA) was commissioned by the City of London Corporation to undertake an independent Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit of proposed highway improvements around the Bank of England junction. The audit assessed the safety implications of significant changes to one of London's busiest traffic environments, with a focus on improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists while maintaining the safe movement of all road users.
Client: City of London Corporation
Location: Bank of England Junction, City of London
Audit Date: 6th June 2019
Audit Type: Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit
Standards Applied: GG119 (Design Manual for Roads and Bridges)
Focus Areas: Pedestrian Safety, Cycling Infrastructure, Traffic Signals & Urban Highway Design
The proposed highway improvements included widened footways, upgraded pedestrian crossings, expanded cycle facilities, new kerb buildouts and the removal of existing guard railing and traffic islands.
The challenge was to ensure these changes enhanced safety without creating new risks for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, heavy goods vehicles and general traffic within one of the UK's busiest urban road networks.
Key issues identified included:
Large vehicle manoeuvrability at redesigned junctions.
Potential conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists.
Traffic signal visibility following the removal of central islands.
Accessibility concerns for visually impaired pedestrians.
Safe operation of new cycle facilities alongside general traffic.
David A Graham Associates carried out an independent review of the highway proposals, assessing design drawings alongside detailed site inspections.
Following the audit, a comprehensive report was prepared containing practical engineering recommendations, including:
Vehicle swept-path assessments for large vehicles.
Review of pedestrian and cyclist interaction points.
Retention or modification of key traffic islands where appropriate.
Improvements to tactile paving and dropped kerbs.
Review of traffic signal timings and visibility.
Refinement of cycle infrastructure to reduce conflict with turning traffic.
The audit provided the City of London Corporation with an independent assessment of the proposed highway improvements, identifying practical design refinements before construction commenced.
The recommendations helped minimise potential safety risks while supporting the delivery of a safer, more accessible and efficient public realm for all road users.
Independent GG119 DMRB compliant Combined Stage 1 & 2 Road Safety Audit.
Early identification of design risks before construction.
Improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Practical recommendations to enhance accessibility and traffic operation.
Support for the successful delivery of a major urban highway improvement scheme.
Expert advice on one of London's most complex traffic environments.
David A Graham Associates can deliver bespoke Road Safety Audit training courses at your premises or at locations across the UK and internationally.
