Dear Sir/Madam,

Service stations (petrol pumps) are essential lifelines for the economy, transportation, and public convenience in Australia. They are strategically located along highways, roads, and in towns and cities, catering to motorists’ needs such as fuel, food, drinks, and essential goods. However, a critical aspect of public utility is often overlooked or neglected—the provision of toilets.

The Problem

While service stations are known to provide a place for motorists to "Stop, Revive, and Survive," many stations in Sydney and its suburban sprawl fail to provide public toilet facilities. Worse, some stations explicitly refuse access to their toilets, even during emergencies, leaving motorists in distress.

This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a serious health and safety issue, especially for:

People undertaking long drives.

Elderly citizens and individuals with medical conditions.

Pregnant women and parents traveling with young children.

The alternative of going to a nearby shopping mall or another facility for toilet access often involves wasting time searching for parking and navigating through large complexes, which can be impractical and stressful during emergencies.

Why Toilets at Service Stations Are Essential

1. Health and Safety: Access to toilets prevents serious health risks, such as urinary tract infections or bladder problems caused by delaying relief.

2. Basic Human Right: Public toilets are a fundamental necessity, not a luxury.

3. Traveler Well-being: They are critical for the "Stop, Revive, Survive" initiative promoted by Australian road safety campaigns.

4. Consistency Across Regions: In regional and rural areas, service stations often serve as the sole facility for travelers, making toilets even more essential.

Our Appeal

We, the undersigned, call upon the New South Wales Government, local councils, and relevant authorities to:

1. Make it mandatory for all service stations in Sydney and its suburbs to provide accessible and clean public toilet facilities.

2. Establish clear penalties for non-compliance to ensure that service station operators adhere to this requirement.

3. Provide incentives or subsidies for smaller service stations to install and maintain toilets.

4. Launch a public awareness campaign to educate both service station owners and the public about the importance of this basic service.

Why This Matters

Service stations are not just fuel stops; they are essential public spaces that facilitate safe and comfortable travel. Denying toilet access, especially in emergency situations, is both unethical and inhumane. By making toilets mandatory at service stations, we ensure that basic dignity and convenience are not compromised.

We urge you to act swiftly on this matter and bring about this much-needed change.