Entrance Spaces

To support clarity and ease of use, it is preferable for both separate-sex and unisex toilet facilities to share a single, clearly defined entrance. A unified access point helps to minimise confusion and presents a cohesive gateway for all users.

Entrance design must also consider overall capacity. In some cases, separate entrances for male and female facilities may offer operational advantages by helping to manage visitor flow and reduce congestion.

All access routes to accessible facilities must be step-free. When unisex accessible toilets or other key facilities (such as gender-neutral toilets, baby-changing, or Changing Places) are located separately from the main toilet block, highly visible and well-positioned signage must be installed at primary entrances to indicate their location.

Unisex accessible toilets should be positioned as close as possible to the building entrance or waiting areas. Associated facilities—including Changing Places, baby-changing, and gender-neutral toilets—should also be located in close proximity for ease of access.

The main entrance to a toilet area in a managed service station should be at least 1800mm wide, allowing two wheelchair users to pass comfortably. A width of 2400mm is preferred to support smooth, congestion-free movement in both directions. Where facilities are not accessible to wheelchair users, a minimum entrance width of 1600mm should still be maintained.

Any escape route leading to toilets—whether separate-sex or unisex/accessible—must provide a minimum clear width of 1200mm. If corridors are narrower than 1800mm and extend over a long distance, passing bays at least 1800mm wide should be included at regular intervals to support safe two-way passage for wheelchair users.

Sanitary accommodation should be secured using collapsible gates or overhead shutters that can be locked in the open position without obstructing circulation space or reducing head clearance.

To support safety and hygiene, entrance mats should not be used within indoor toilet access routes. Where different flooring materials meet—such as between concourse and WC areas—they must have comparable slip-resistance ratings to reduce risk of falls.

Shared entrance zones may benefit from seating or small waiting areas. However, their layout should ensure that people waiting do not block entry routes or interfere with flow in nearby concourse areas.

Monitoring of toilet entrances is important to discourage antisocial behaviour. A combination of clearly visible CCTV and passive observation by staff can be effective. In managed facilities, an attendant should be present during all public opening hours. Their primary role is to assist individuals accessing unisex or accessible toilets, but they may also support general oversight and facility management.