News The Urination Charge: The Facts In a move destined to cause uproar among Londoners, Mayor Ken Livingstone has proposed a 'Urination Charge' on the City's toilet visitors. Below, in a press release sent to the International Peeball Federation and other concerned bodies, the Mayor spells out his vision for a cleaner, faster-moving toilet system. WHAT is it? The 50p urination charge will help get London going freely. It will reduce toilet jams, making recreational and vital lavatory trips far less stressful, while raising thousands each week to re-invest in London's aging sewage system. WHERE is it? The Urination Charging zone covers the most central, desperate-for-a-slash part of London. The tax applies to public, business and private lavatories in addition to alleyways, dimly lit doorways and telephone boxes. WHO has to pay? There are some exemptions and discounts (colostomy bag wearers, the incontinent, etc), but if you are due to pay and get caught taking a crafty slash, a Penalty Charge will be issued. Urination Charging is a way of ensuring that those using valuable and congested lavatory space make a financial contribution. It discourages unnecessary toilet use and will ensure that, for those using the lavatories, they will be quicker, cleaner and more reliable. The scheme requires each person to pay 50p per visit if they wish to continue using toilets in central London during its hours of operation. If it is not necessary to visit the lavatory you might want to consider holding it in until you get home. Transport for London can help you discover the quickest, easiest route to a non-charging lavatory. Londoners suffer the worst toilets in the UK and amongst the worst in Europe. France excepted. * Defecators in central London spend 50% of their time waiting for a cubicle * It has been estimated that London loses between £2-4 million every week in terms of lost time caused by toilet congestion. Many Londoners say the inability to find an empty, clean toilet is one of the biggest issues facing the capital. Surveys have shown that Londoners do not want to see their toilets clogging up, causing unpleasant odours and unsightly poo stripes, damaging London's status as a thriving world city. The Mayor has spent over 20 months following his election consulting on and amending the details of the scheme, visiting and using up to three different lavatories every day. You can pay your Urination charge up to 90 days before you visit the lavatory (if you know when you will be visiting) or on the day you need it. You can pay in advance or by cash at selected retail outlets and lavatories. The Mayor is committed to getting London going again. Have your say on the Mayor's plans at letters@peeball.com. www.peeball.com