User Groups

To ensure fair and functional toilet provision, it is important to recognise that women typically spend more time in toilet facilities and may use them for a wider range of reasons compared to men. As such, higher provision levels are required to meet their needs and reduce queuing times.

Research indicates that achieving equal waiting times requires approximately twice as many fixtures for women as for men. Historically, female users have been underserved in terms of quantity, so existing provision levels should not be assumed to be adequate.

When determining the total number of appliances needed, urinals should be considered equivalent to WCs in calculations, as both serve the same basic function in meeting demand.

To support all users, baby-changing amenities should be accessible to people of any gender. While unisex facilities are essential, it is also beneficial to incorporate baby-changing options within male and female toilet areas where feasible.

This can be delivered in the following ways:

A) Family Toilet:
A dedicated family toilet provides a practical space for a parent or carer with both a baby and a young child. It should include a screened WC, a washbasin, a baby-changing surface, and a toddler seat positioned nearby. Where space permits, the addition of a smaller, child-sized WC can further enhance functionality. The layout and door opening must be large enough to accommodate a double pushchair.

B) Enlarged Cubicle with Baby-Changing Unit:
A larger-than-standard cubicle can also accommodate a baby-changing facility. These spaces are especially useful for those needing extra room, such as individuals travelling with luggage or those requiring more space for comfort and accessibility.

Further guidance on alternative baby-changing solutions can be found in BS6465-4:2010, section 10.2.3.

The term ‘persons with disabilities and persons of reduced mobility’ refers to individuals who may have temporary or permanent impairments—physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory—that, when combined with environmental barriers, limit their ability to use facilities on equal terms with others. This also includes individuals whose mobility may be reduced due to age.

As accessibility improves and the UK’s population continues to age, it is essential that public toilets provide inclusive facilities that address these evolving needs. At larger service stations, this should include fully accessible toilets and, where appropriate, Changing Places facilities to support users requiring a higher level of care.

In environments where customers are likely to be carrying luggage—such as service stations on long-distance routes—designs should prioritise step-free access, wider circulation space, and larger cubicles to support ease of movement for all users.

Gender-neutral toilets in public settings play a key role in fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and safety. Here’s why they’re important:

1. Inclusivity for Trans and Non-Binary People
Gender-neutral toilets provide a safe and affirming option for people who don’t identify strictly as male or female. Traditional binary toilet signage can force trans and non-binary individuals into uncomfortable or unsafe situations. A gender-neutral option removes that pressure and validates diverse gender identities.

2. Increased Safety
For many trans and gender-diverse people, using gendered toilets can be a source of anxiety, harassment, or even violence. Gender-neutral toilets help mitigate these risks by offering a space that doesn’t require individuals to “prove” or defend their gender.

3. Practicality for Families and Carers
Gender-neutral toilets are useful for:

Parents with children of a different gender.

Carers assisting people of another gender.

The inclusion of multi-faith toilet spaces in public toilet areas is an important and often overlooked aspect of inclusive design. Here’s why these spaces matter:

1. Respecting Religious Practices
Many faiths, such as Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Judaism, have specific hygiene or ritual requirements:

Islam: Requires washing with water after using the toilet (istinja), and often, washing feet before prayer (wudu).

Hinduism and Sikhism: Emphasize bodily cleanliness and may require access to water and space for washing.

Judaism: May include specific prayer or hygiene practices before and after using the toilet.

A multi-faith space can provide facilities such as water taps, hand showers, or foot-washing stations, as well as signage that acknowledges these needs respectfully.

2. Inclusivity and Dignity
Providing space and facilities that accommodate diverse religious practices ensures that all users feel seen, respected, and welcome—not just those who conform to secular or Western norms of public toilet design.

It also helps avoid discomfort or embarrassment for those who might otherwise struggle to perform their hygiene rituals in standard facilities not suited to their needs.

3. Improving Accessibility Without Stigma
When religious accommodations are integrated subtly and inclusively—rather than requiring users to request access—they become a normal part of public infrastructure, reducing stigma and encouraging broader use without discomfort.

4. Compliance with Equality and Human Rights Standards
In many countries, laws and public sector equality duties encourage or require the accommodation of religious practices. Designing for multi-faith needs demonstrates proactive compliance with these expectations and can be part of achieving higher accessibility and diversity standards.

5. Forward-Thinking Design
As societies become increasingly diverse, facilities that anticipate a wider range of needs—religious, cultural, or personal—are not just compassionate, they’re future-proof. Multi-faith spaces signal that a venue is thoughtful, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

1. Install Hygiene Facilities That Support Ritual Purification
Many religious practices require water-based cleaning rather than just toilet paper.

Key features to include:

Handheld bidet sprays (shattaf) or bidet taps inside cubicles.

Water jugs or dispensers for manual washing, ideally near low-mounted taps.

Foot-washing stations, either integrated into washroom areas or provided in a separate, discreet space.

These can be clearly signed as optional for all users, avoiding any religious labeling that might create stigma.

🛑 2. Provide a Dry Space for Prayer or Reflection Nearby (Optional but Ideal)
Where space permits, a small adjacent multi-faith prayer/quiet room with:

A water tap or washbasin for wudu (ablution)

A small mat or clean floor space

Signage indicating respectful use

This is especially appreciated at transport hubs, motorway services, and airports, where travelers may need to pray during long journeys.

🧼 3. Consider Ablution-Friendly Design Details
Design the space to allow for water use without damage or mess:

Tiled walls and floors, with good drainage

Non-slip flooring

Accessible water points at lower levels for washing hands, feet, or utensils

Hooks or shelves inside cubicles for personal belongings or religious items

📖 4. Use Respectful, Inclusive Signage
Avoid religious symbols unless the space is explicitly for prayer. Instead:

Use neutral wording like “Water and hygiene facilities available”

Add icons for hand spray, foot wash, or prayer space if applicable

Consider multiple languages or pictograms

♿ 5. Integrate, Don’t Isolate
Avoid labeling a facility “Muslim toilet” or “religious use only.” Instead, build features into standard toilet cubicles so that everyone can use them as needed—this reduces stigma and maximizes use.

🚻 6. Maintain with Care
Religious users may be discouraged if:

Facilities are dirty, broken, or hard to access

Signage is missing or unclear

Staff are unaware of the importance of these features

Provide staff training and routine checks to keep things in good working order and respect the diversity of users.