Millions more needed to improve London’s public toilets and pedestrian crossings

During this week’s Mayor's Question Time that focused on finalising the budget for the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group, Caroline Russell AM led her colleagues Zoë Garbett AM and Zack Polanski AM in proposing a necessary budget amendment aimed at improving the lives of millions of Londoners. 

Assembly Members praised Caroline for her dedication to improving public toilets, with many expressing how much they admired the significance of her work. Caroline’s strong campaigning on this topic for years has meant that this week in the chamber, there was a broad consensus for the proposal to increase funding for public toilets.

Separately, the Mayor himself described Caroline’s proposal to increase funding for Transport for London (TfL) to improve pedestrian crossings as a 'bread and butter issue.'

While the Green budget amendment achieved support in some areas, it ultimately fell short in gaining support. The amendment proposal, which was not approved by Assembly Members, focused on six targeted interventions that would make London a safer, fairer and more affordable city for all.

The six proposals set out were: 

1. An additional £3 million for improving public toilets, doubling the current level of funding
2. Decreasing drug harm and taking a public health approach to drugs by funding a drug consumption room pilot for London
3. Delivering a London Renters’ Commission working to make rent controls a reality
4. Mapping London’s contaminated land
5. The creation of a Resident Empowerment Reserve Fund
6. Funding for more pedestrian crossings

Reflecting on the Green budget amendment proposal, Caroline said:

“Londoners are always telling us about the problems they face. We have responded to their demands by putting together a bold package that would address many of their concerns.

“It was good to hear the continued support of Assembly Members for the need for more public toilets, and it was reassuring to hear the Mayor understand that keeping people safe as they cross the road should be 'bread and butter' for TfL.

“Though, it’s frustrating to see our colleagues on the Assembly vote against proposals that would transform the lives of so many people living in our city.

“This was a well-thought-out budget amendment that not only provided real solutions to the challenges facing Londoners but also outlined how it would be funded.

“We already know that Assembly Members have pledged their support for public toilets, safer crossings, affordable housing and more, and so it’s disappointing to see them not support our amendment on the Chamber floor.

“We won’t stop pushing for the Mayor to take up more progressive and bold ideas.”

With budget constraints being a top priority, the proposals outlined would mainly be funded by a £1 increase in the congestion charge, bringing congestion charge fees in line with inflation. This would generate an extra £13 million per year to provide £10 million for pedestrian crossings and £3 million a year to double the Mayor’s toilet fund.

The rest of the Green proposals would cost £2.6 million, a small fraction of the £338.1 million currently unallocated in the reserve.

Read the Green Group budget amendment in full.