Hat trick for train firm in loo awards

The objective of the awards is to encourage the highest possible standards in all types of ‘away from home’ or public toilets.

Southern’s Class 377 Electrostar trains, which serve the Bexhill line, won the National Award for the best on-train loos, Lewes station won the National Award for best lavs at a railway station. Worthing station toilets earned a four-star rating.

The rail operator also took top prize in the Market Sector (Transport) award, beating off competition from motorway service areas, roadside restaurants/service stations, airports, ferry ports and bus and coach stations.

Southern’s head of customer experience, Emma Toms, said: “We’re delighted to have won two national categories and end up with a sector win. We’re extremely proud to have won these awards.”

Every entry received unannounced visits from an authorise Loo of the Year Inspector and was assessed against 100 judging criteria including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management.

The award wins are no flash in the pan for Southern, it also won the best railway station loo in England for the Changing Places accessible toilet at Sutton railway station last year.