Around a quarter of a century ago, I joined long-standing Loo of the Year Awards champion and British Toilet Association original Richard Chisnell as a guest LOTY Awards judge, and I must say it was one of the most fascinating projects I've enjoyed in my 40 years as a journalist. I learned so much - not just about public toilets, but about people's mindsets and behaviours - the psychology regarding public toilet provision and use, if you like. One of the many interesting discussions that stuck in my mind was regarding what had in the early days of the Awards, been initial surprises at arriving to inspect loos that had been entered into the Awards, (i.e. as a potential winner) only to find that they were in a disgusting state... uncleaned, unstocked, locks and other fixtures broken, missing tiles, permanently stained floors etc. Yes - as Richard explained, some people would nominate a facility to draw attention to how bad it was, in an attempt to perhaps embarrass those responsible into doing something to improve things. And these weren't just toilet blocks in open spaces (subject to vandalism, theft etc) but also in pubs, clubs, restaurants, stores and workplaces; letting down not only their employees but their clientele, too. Clever eh? 

  

Why am I reminiscing about judging the Loo of the Year Awards you wonder? Simply because I received a press release this week from Logistics UK, heralding the launch of its search for the 'Best Truck Stop of the Year', 2026, inviting drivers to nominate truck stops that consistently 'go the extra mile'. The release didn't mention what John Austen and I feel should be some of the most important considerations: toilets, washing facilities and showers, so I clicked through to the nomination page and there they were: 'Cleanliness & Availability of Toilets' and also 'Showers & Washing Facilities (cleanliness & reliability)'. Other considerations  include security, parking surface conditions, lighting, food availability and value for money. 

  

The initiative forms part of the business group's wider activity highlighting the need to raise standards of facilities across the roadside network, recognising the vital role high quality rest areas play for professional drivers - the 'backbone of the economy'. As Sue Alty, co-founder of My Truck Stop notes: "Drivers notice everything about a truck stop, from the parking and food to the showers and overall equipment. That's why improving facilities and recognising the sites that are doing things well really matters." 

  

The winner will be announced in July. Nominations, open until 31st May, can be made at: https://logistics.org.uk/media/best-truck-stop-of-the-year 

I wonder how many truckers will nominate the worst facilities in the hope that they’ll be called out - and, as a consequence, improved, just as users did (and perhaps still do) with the Loo of the Year Awards?