TfL Has Responded — But Drivers Still Don’t Have a Toilet at East Ham 🚍🚻

Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared and supported our campaign. More than 450 people have now backed us, and the pressure is growing. ✊

We have now received TfL’s response through Caroline Russell AM. TfL has acknowledged that “there is currently no toilet facility at East Ham Central Park.” However, their answer is that Route 58 drivers can use facilities at Walthamstow Central and Route 115 drivers can use Aldgate Bus Station. 

🚫 That is not a solution.

Bus drivers are not guaranteed to reach the opposite end of a route when they need a toilet. We can be stuck in heavy traffic 🚦, delayed ⏱️, regulated, diverted or curtailed ⛔ before reaching the other terminus.

No driver should be forced to choose between holding it in for a prolonged period and potentially affecting their health, or leaving their bus and passengers to search for a toilet, potentially disrupting the service.

👩‍✈️♿🩺 This matters particularly for women drivers, disabled drivers and colleagues with medical conditions or medication that can cause more frequent or urgent toilet needs.

☀️💧 It also matters during hot weather. Drivers are rightly encouraged to stay hydrated — but you cannot tell workers to drink more water while failing to provide reliable access to toilets.

📢 The pressure is increasing

Our campaign is now being raised at several levels.

🤝 Unite  Nadine Edwards - Regional Officer is raising our demands with the relevant parties, and we are asking the union to support a permanent, free-to-use, 24/7 facility at or immediately next to East Ham Central Park. 

🏛️ Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, is also raising bus-driver welfare with the Mayor at Mayor’s Question Time on Thursday 17 September.

And we are now looking at taking the campaign further — including approaching national politicians and beginning discussions about a rally/protest at East Ham Central Park. 📣🚩

Our demand remains simple:

🚻 PERMANENT • FREE-TO-USE • 24/7 TOILET FACILITIES AT EAST HAM CENTRAL PARK

🚻

This isn’t a luxury. It is basic dignity, health and welfare.

🚍 Drivers keep London moving.
🚻 Drivers deserve somewhere to go.

Please keep signing and sharing the petition. Our voices are being heard — now we need to turn that pressure into a permanent solution. ✊📢