Request ID: FOI-1743-2223 Date published: 07 November 2022
You asked
I Have the legal obligations of TfL to provide staff toilets changed since the time when the toilets were shared with the public? If so, in what manner? And what exactly are your current legal obligations?2 Has the number of drivers requiring toilet facilities increased since the facilities at Walthamstow Bus Station were shared? If so, by what extent?3 Did TfL consult London Travel Watch, or any other organizations or individuals, before closing the toilets? If so, what were the responses of consultees?4 By whom exactly was the decisions to close the toilets taken? By the members of TfL, or by some committee or sub-committee, or by an officer?5 How can I obtain copies of any memoranda, reports, minutes and other documents relevant to the decision to close the toilets?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1743-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 11 October 2022, asking for information about toilet facilities at Walthamstow Bus Station.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You asked:
1 Have the legal obligations of TfL to provide staff toilets changed since the time when the toilets were shared with the public? If so, in what manner? And what exactly are your current legal obligations?
While there has been no change to the legal obligation to provide staff toilets, the existing staff toilets no longer meet the legal requirements. Legal obligations are to provide suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences at accessible places.
2 Has the number of drivers requiring toilet facilities increased since the facilities at Walthamstow Bus Station were shared? If so, by what extent?
The facilities have never had shared use but the previous existing ‘staff only’ facilities do not meet the requirements of the number of drivers who use them on any given day.
There are 57 drivers Monday to Friday, 51 drivers on Sat and 39 on Sun.
In addition, route 357 changes drivers at Walthamstow Market, who may also use the facilities.
3 Did TfL consult London Travel Watch, or any other organizations or individuals, before closing the toilets? If so, what were the responses of consultees?
The facilities were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in line with the government guidelines therefore no consultation was carried out.
4 By whom exactly was the decisions to close the toilets taken? By the members of TfL, or by some committee or sub-committee, or by an officer?
The decision was made by the Service Delivery Manager in charge of the bus station in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5 How can I obtain copies of any memoranda, reports, minutes and other documents relevant to the decision to close the toilets?
We are not aware of any documents pertaining to the closure. The decision to keep the toilets closed to the public following Covid-19 restrictions was a decision based on welfare of the drivers using the facilities while alternatives to improve their current facility were explored.
The disabled facility has remained open for the duration for those people that need it.
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
