The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a £6m investment in accessible toilet facilities for bus drivers, the London Evening Standard reported.
Permanent toilets will be provided along 40 routes which only have limited access or opening hours. Temporary toilets have already been installed on routes that did not have any facilities, including arrangements for drivers to use local cafes or shops.
Sadiq Khan said: “It can’t be right that a bus driver can be stuck behind the wheel and not know where they can access a toilet. These men and women work hard keeping London moving at all hours so it’s vital that they are given the dignity of having access to a rest stop when they need it.
“I’ve worked hard to ensure that our 25,000 bus drivers are given a fair pay deal, and am now pleased that we can deliver another real improvement for the day-to-day working conditions.”
Unite official John Murphy said: “This announcement is excellent news for London’s bus drivers who will now have the basic dignity of knowing that they have access to a toilet while at work.
“Being denied access to a toilet is linked to a large number of serious illnesses and physical ailments.”
John Trayner, Managing Director of Go-Ahead London, said: “Today’s announcement is welcome as it means drivers do not have to worry about where they take a comfort break, thus ensuring they concentrate on their roadcraft and passenger engagement.”
