Designing London’s Recovery

I am old enough to remember when public toilets were common throughout central London. These have largely been closed and converted into bars, clubs and cafes. London has approx. 9m residents and around 30m visitors each year. is deplorable that one of the richest cities in the world, a mecca for tourism, has so few public toilets. This loss is in part compensated for by the increase in toilets in large take away outlets and shopping centres. However these are only available when the venue is open and in the former case designated for customer use only.

Even some of those toilets previously available in underground stations have been taken out of commission. There should be at least one accessible toilet at every GBR and TfL train station and every bus terminus.

Public toilets are in necessity however due to cost there is never anyone to look after them so they get used and abused if accessible to the general public consequently most have been closed because they were used for drugs, sexual and other activities. Those little cubicles on the street you pay to get in; people frequently do not have the right change so cannot use them. I have often seen men urinating in the streets which is most unpleasant. A scheme was started in some areas a few years back where the council made a payment to restaurants and shops to make their toilets accessible the public and they had a sign in the windows stating this which struck me as a good idea. I don’t know if this is still going on. Everyone needs to go to the loo I don’t think one should have to pay for such a basic need and necessity in life.

The lack of free public toilets in London gives a poor impression of the city. Sometimes the availability of toilets deters me from going to certain areas.

Lack of toilet facilities places limits on many people's use of public places and spaces.
Many older people have a much more regular need for toilets, and I have relatives who must plan their day around availability - and simply cannot go to places where adequate facilities are not available.
I was aware of an elderly single lady who felt compelled to use a private garden because, though physically mobile, her needs meant she could not walk the full distance from her home to the nearest shops (where she could find a cafe toilet to use).
Like all infrastructure, facilities need to be designed for those with most need - stoma users, parents of babies and small children, prostate and many other medical conditions. If designed for the most needy, they will also be fit for general use by all.
Lack of cleanliness is also a barrier to use - especially for small children for whom hygiene is difficult.
Charges are also a barrier to entry for some people - especially those with no fixed address - for whom safe, clean toilet facilities are essential to maintaining hygiene and dignity.
I would like to see a scheme to support businesses (shops/cafes etc) which provide public toilets to a defined standard of cleanliness. An App and daily photos could be used to document compliance with standards in return for financial support to pay for cleaning/maintenance costs and to reward provision. Facilities with more inclusive facilities to attract more financial support.

Surprised you didn't ask about RADAR keys. Can be a godsend, but not enough of them and too often locked or out of service.

please think about accessibility for toilets. ive got a 'i need to go' card - but no point hving a csrd if theres no toilets. im on mobility scooter. dont drink or eat any days i want to go out. its adding to isolation. there were no questions abut accessibility in your survey. im happy for you that you dont even think for a moment about this. please consider that this is stopping many people going out

I would usually feel safer using a toilet in a bar or restaurant.

The need for public toilets & urinals cannot be under estimated. When you live near a London station; bus stop or any route to or from events or areas of bars your doorway becomes an open sewer! Having lived in central London since the 80's it's a problem that has got out of control as now days both sexes will use doorways with impunity! Avoiding streams & puddles of smelly urine on returning home at night is a constant hazard as those that foul the area don't care where they do it!

The location - should be in a reasonably busy area.
The cost - should be free.
Opening times.
Cleanliness.
At the moment I usually use toilets in railway stations and parks.
Often use those in coffee places - but they are often restricted to customers and also often closed/ out of order.

How desperate the kids are for the toilet.

How filthy the toilet is

How many junkies and homeless people live in or nearby the toilet.