Why This Plan Is Needed

Many residents and visitors have complained about the lack of clean and accessible public toilets in Prague. A city survey showed that only 11% of people are happy with the current system. Poor toilet access has caused problems like public urination, higher street cleaning costs, and inconvenience for tourists.

Deputy Mayor Petr Hlaváček said:

“Public toilets are a basic service that helps everyone enjoy the city. Their shortage affects the quality of life.”

What’s Wrong Now

The city’s toilets are managed by different operators, and many are old or not well maintained. Some require payment, which can be difficult for people without cash or for those with disabilities.

Most residents said cleanliness is the top priority, followed by safety and accessibility for parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.

How the City Will Fix It

The Institute of Planning and Development (IPR) will design a new system that includes:

• More city-owned and maintained toilets

• Better toilets in metro stations

• Partnerships with cafes and restaurants through a Community Toilet Scheme (CTS)

In the CTS, restaurants and cafes will allow people to use their toilets for free. These places will be marked on maps and apps for easy access. Early tests in Prague 3 and 7 were successful, showing that the idea works.

Learning from Other Cities

Cities like Paris, Berlin, and Amsterdam already have 24-hour public toilets that are clean and free to use. Prague wants to use similar models but adapt them for local needs.

The city will first map all current toilets to find areas that need more. A full plan is expected later this year.

What Residents Think

In a recent poll:

• 3% said toilets are good enough

• 97% said the city needs to improve

What to Expect

This new strategy will help:

• Keep Prague cleaner

• Reduce public urination

• Make life easier for residents and tourists

With this plan, Prague aims to become a more comfortable and welcoming city for everyone.