英国列车司机工会Aslef正考虑采取罢工行动，以抗议铁路运营商未能改善车上厕所设施的问题[1]。该工会指出，尽管铁路运营商在铁路安全委员会去年提出了改善承诺，但至今仍未落实相关措施[1]。2024年Aslef进行的调查发现，许多司机被迫在车厢内排尿或排便，长时间无法使用洗手间设施[1]。
铁路和道路办公室首席检查官Richard Hines在2025年7月29日致函运营商，称缺乏设施状况"令人无法接受"[1]。根据福利宪章的要求，铁路应提供"安全、清洁、便利和有尊严的"厕所，并确保司机在最长4小时的驾驶时间内有机会使用厕所休息[1]。然而，铁路和道路办公室的年度报告指出，尽管初期承诺良好，但"进展不均匀，行业动力已减缓"[1]。
长期缺乏厕所休息机会与多种健康问题相关，包括深静脉血栓、膀胱问题、前列腺癌和结直肠癌[1]。女性司机受这一问题影响最大[1]。Aslef总书记Dave Calfe表示："我们需要行动，而不是空洞承诺"[1]。
The Aslef trade union representing British railway drivers is considering strike action after rail operators failed to address persistent toilet facility shortages despite previous commitments. [1] A 2024 union survey revealed that many drivers have been forced to urinate or defecate inside train cabins due to lack of access to proper facilities. [1] The situation has prompted particular concern among female drivers, who face the greatest impact from these inadequate conditions. [1]
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Britain's railway regulator, escalated pressure on operators following the union's findings. [1] The ORR's chief inspector, Richard Hines, wrote to operators on July 29, 2025, characterizing the lack of facilities as "unacceptable." [1] According to the industry's Welfare Charter, drivers are entitled to "safe, clean, convenient and dignified" toilet access, with mandatory rest breaks featuring toilet facilities required within any four-hour driving period. [1] However, the ORR's annual report notes that despite initial industry pledges, "progress has been uneven and momentum has slowed." [1]
Aslef General Secretary Dave Calfe underscored the union's frustration, stating: "We need action, not empty promises." [1] The prolonged absence of adequate toilet breaks has been linked to serious health complications among drivers, including deep vein thrombosis, bladder problems, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. [1]