Request ID: FOI-0587-2223 Date published: 07 July 2022
You asked
This is a freedom of information request asking for information re the following:
• information around the provision (or lack of provision) of toilets in stations, and the decision making that went into this, along the newly refurbished Elizabeth Line. Ie why it was decided at some stations not to provide a toilet at all.
• Information about why it was decided not to provide any new Changing Places toilets (with adult changing bench and hoist), at any of the stations along the Elizabeth Line while it was being built and refurbished.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0587-2223
Thank you for your request received on 12 June 2022 asking for information about toilet facilities at Elizabeth line stations.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm we do hold the information you require. You asked for:
• Information around the provision (or lack of provision) of toilets in stations, and the decision making that went into this, along the newly refurbished Elizabeth line i.e. why it was decided at some stations not to provide a toilet at all.
The decision to install toilets was based on a number of considerations:
1. On the surface stations where public toilets already existed, or where facilities which had been closed could be re-instated, then they were to be retained/refurbished 2. Where space at or near surface level was available and waste/water could be routed without prohibitive expense
All east (Stratford to Shenfield) and west (Acton Main Line to Reading) Elizabeth line stations have customer toilets which can be used free of charge. However, they may only be available on the paid side of the ticket gates at some stations. Toilet opening times vary at individual stations (customers are advised to check with station staff).
At Liverpool Street and Paddington mainline stations customer toilets (including wheelchair accessible toilets and baby change facilities) are available.
In the central section (Paddington to Abbey Wood), customer toilets are available at Abbey Wood and Farringdon stations. A wheelchair accessible toilet is available at Custom House and does not require a Radar key. Wheelchair accessible toilets, which can be accessed via a Radar key, are available at Abbey Wood, Tottenham Court Road, Whitechapel and Farringdon.
Baby changing facilities are also available at the following stations:
o Brentwood o Stratford o Abbey Wood o Custom House o Farringdon o Ealing Broadway o Southall o Heathrow Terminals 2&3 o Heathrow Terminal 4 o Langley o Slough o Burnham o Maidenhead o Reading
Staff are on hand to advise customers of the nearest public and/or wheelchair accessible toilet where toilets are not available to customers at the station. National Rail Enquiries stations pages contain information on toilets at each individual station: (https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/default.aspx). This page is updated if any are closed. The TfL Toilet Map has also been updated.
• Information about why it was decided not to provide any new Changing Places toilets (with adult changing bench and hoist), at any of the stations along the Elizabeth line while it was being built and refurbished.
Changes to the Building Regulations concerning the installation of Changing Places toilets were amended in 2020 when all of the new central section stations (Paddington to Abbey Wood) and a significant number of refurbished surface stations were either complete or nearing completion. During the detailed design stage for the stations (circa 2011-14) and when construction was entered into, they were not a requirement to be installed in transport hubs but we recognise the importance of providing as many accessible facilities as possible.
There is a Changing Places toilet at Ealing Broadway as the detailed design had not yet been completed by 2020 and the new requirement could be considered. There is additionally a Changing Places toilet located at Paddington mainline station.
If this is not the information you are looking for please feel free to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
