Network Rail scraps toilet charges at UK’s busiest train stations

Toilets at Liverpool Street, Kings Cross and Edinburgh Waverley will be free to use

Network Rail previously charged up to 50p per person to use toilet facilities at stations (Getty)

Toilet charges have been scrapped at all of Britain’s busiest railway stations.

On Saturday 30 March, London Liverpool Street, London King’s Cross and Edinburgh Waverley became the last of 20 Network Rail stations to make their toilets free to use.

The public sector body previously charged up to 50p per person to use the facilities.

London’s Victoria and Charing Cross station toilet charges were scrapped more than two years ago, and were recently joined by Leeds, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.

Stations at Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads, London Cannon Street, London Bridge, Reading, London St Pancras also have free toilets.

Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: “Passengers have told us that toilets are an important issue for them and taking this step is just one of a number of small measures we are taking to put our passengers first, by helping to make their journeys a bit more hassle-free.”

Anthony Smith, chief executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Scrapping toilet charges is a welcome step for passengers.

“Toilets are a priority for improvement at stations according to our research and will signal the end of fumbling around in your pocket for change to spend a penny.”

Other improvements being made at Network Rail stations include the introduction of water fountains, better and more seating, and reducing clutter on concourses.

Press Association