Memorandum by Network Rail
SUMMARY
— Network Rail provides public toilet
facilities in the 18 largest stations, which it manages. It is
not responsible for public toilets at other railway stations,
which are managed by various train operating companies.
— Network Rail charges customers a
small fee for using its public toilet facilities. The charge has
recently been raised to 30p after remaining at 20p for many years.
— This revenue allows Network Rail
to provide facilities which are well managed and maintained.
— Our toilet turnstiles and the policy
of making customers pay also prevents the toilets being misused.
— A major programme of refurbishment
of Network Rail's station toilets is underway. The majority of
toilets in our managed stations will be noticeably improved with
new fixtures and fittings and sensor taps/flushes as well as being
repainted and deep cleaned.
— Network Rail is committed to adhering
to the requirements of the DDA in providing accessible toilet
facilities accessible to all passengers and customers within our
stations.
INTRODUCTION
Network Rail provides public toilet facilities
in the 18 largest stations, which it manages. It is not responsible
for public toilets at other railway stations. These stations are
leased to various train operating companies, who are responsible
for providing public toilet facilities.
NETWORK RAIL
RESPONSE TO
INQUIRY THEMES
AND QUESTIONS
The need for public toilets-access to public spaces,
the needs of older people, disabled people, children and families
and gender balance
Network Rail provides toilets that are accessible
to all customers and passengers, including those with disabilities
and mobility problems.
Network Rail recently sent a submission to the
Department for Transport's consultation on its disabled people's
accessibility code for stations, which includes access to public
toilets. Network Rail facilities will comply with all proposed
standards in the new code on toilet design and layout, staffing
and hours of operation.
Who pays? Should the public pay?
Network Rail charges customers a small fee for
using its public toilet facilities. From the 1 January 2008 the
charge was increased from 20p to 30p. Prior to this the charge
had remained at 20p for many years. This increase has been introduced
against a background of rising costs of providing and maintaining
such facilities.
This revenue allows Network Rail to provide
first class facilities which are well managed and maintained.
Many of Network Rail's public toilets are also currently being
upgraded. As a result, facilities will be noticeably improved
with new fixtures and fittings such as hand-driers and sensor
taps/flushes as well as being repainted and deep cleaned. Some
facilities will undergo a major refurbishment as part of major
station re-developments.
In this context, it is also important to point
out that Network Rail is a not-for-dividend organisation and as
such any profits are reinvested into the rail industry for the
benefit of all rail users.
The role of anti-social behaviour such as vandalism
and drug-taking, the image of public toilets (including cleanliness),
and the cost of upkeep
Charging for public toilet facilities helps
to act as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour of this kind.
Security—should toilets be staffed, unstaffed,
automated?
Network Rail's public toilets are staffed by
our cleaners who are also in radio contact with during operational
hours. A staff presence is important to make sure that the toilets
are well maintained and provide assistance to passengers. CCTV
cameras are placed at entrances and exits for security purposes.
| 
