Government accused of side-stepping driver toilet access issue

A campaigner pushing for drivers to have access to toilet facilities at customer premises complained that the government was trying to distance itself from the scandal after it said it was unable to intervene.

In a letter to Gill Kemp, who set up Truckers’ Toilets UK after being shocked at the lack of facilities for professional drivers, the Department for Transport said truckers who are refused entry to toilets “should ask their employer, trade union or trade association to raise the matter with the company concerned,” adding: “The government has no powers to intervene in these cases.”

Kemp said: “It’s rubbish, it must have powers. The government made toilets for employees in static environments a statutory requirement.”

She said she is writing to six companies explaining the health implications and an invitation to discuss the problem. “Holding on affects bladder and bowel function and can be serious,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Unite union told CM it is gathering information on companies that refuse access to toilets as part of its campaign.

Picture: Shutterstock

• This story first appeared in the print issue of Commercial Motor 15 January. Why not subscribe today?