TFl route 88 has limited toilet access for drivers
A local ministry is campaign to stop the construction of toilets for London Bus drivers.
Marantha ministries have objected to the building of Toilets for Transport for London (TFL) bus drivers to use.
They are to be constructed on routes where access to facilities is limited
Plans were introduced in February 2018 by London Mayor Saquiq Kahan, costing £6 million.
The project has seen positive response from other groups such as Union group Unite
The construction of the toilet will be on Grafton Street for the route 88 bus
Maranatha Ministries have said that TFL told the group that they were to begin construction without notice to the group.
Gerard, of Maranatha ministries, has said that: “They apologised for this only to later come back, indicating they will now install the facility on the boundary of our property on a public walkway that just sits right outside our entrance to the property.”
The group’s main objection to the construction is that it will cause disruption on the public pathway.
In response, the church sent a formal letter of opposition to Sanjiv Uppal of TFL, stating that “Under no circumstances is TFL permitted to erect any structure or further damage to our property or building.”
Maranatha Ministry have claimed that the construction of the toilets will pose as “a serious safeguarding concern”, as there is a local nursery- The Willow Nursery- on their property
Further complaints have been regarding the obstruction of the footpath.
Maranatha miniseries have said they hope to generate communal support for the campaign against the construction of the toilets from the public, families, residents and business in the Grafton Square, as well as creating a media campaign in order to put pressure on TFL and Lambeth council to reconsider this decision and relocate the toilets
Maranatha Ministers have suggested that the bus garage has enough space and is the best place for the toilet to be constructed. They have further suggested the use of fire station as it 6m from the garage and the station has opened up the possibility of 24-hour access of facilities.
TFL claim that the construction of bus driver toilets is important, including reasons such as; it being a human right, allows TLF to ensure the routes are managed and allows drivers to stay focused on their jobs.
They talk further saying that the 88 bus route is required to be part of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The toilets is planned to be installed on December 14 2018 with dimensions of 2450mm x 1300mm
Until the completion of the toilets, temporary toilets have been implemented for driver’s use. Further agreements have been reached with local businesses and cafes for their toilets to be used.
When asked about the situation Sanjiv Uppal of TFL said: “We are in further discussions with the Local Borough on this matter and will be in contact in due course”.
Further contact has been made to TFL to ask for their side of the debate and what they have been doing to work with locals. We are currently awaiting their reply.
