Toilets for taxi drivers and transport workers ‘basic human right’ - GMB congress hears

Lack of proper facilities degrading and embarrassing, while drivers face prosecution and losing jobs, GMB congress is told

Toilets for taxi and private hire drivers, courier and road transport workers are a ‘basic human right’ GMB congress heard today.

The union’s annual congress, which takes place in Brighton this week, was told a lack of public toilets left drivers forced to ‘go’ anywhere, sometimes leading to prosecution and job losses, or urinate  in a bottle.

GMB delegates today [Monday 5 June], called for local authorities to reopen the thousands of public toilets closed to save money.

Mike Tinnion, GMB London Region Delegate said:

“This is a health and safety issue for professional drivers.

“Can you imagine being stuck behind the wheel and needing to use a toilet knowing there isn’t one you can use?

“If you risk not using a proper facility you can face prosecution and can lose your job. It’s degrading and embarrassing.

“I have heard of some real horror stories about what drivers are forced to do when they cannot find a toilet to use, and it’s worse for women.

“It’s scandalous and a problem that has been ignored for too long.

“Access to sanitation is basic human right. Reopening thousands of closed public toilets for all road users must happen as soon as possible.”