Special Paint to Prevent Public Urination in London, UK
Urine Bounces Off Instead of Being Absorbed by Walls
[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] Some streets in Europe have pay toilets or a shortage of them, leading many to urinate in public. Recently, as public urination became a problem, special paint was applied on the streets of Soho, London, UK to deter public urination. When someone urinates on these walls, the urine does not soak in but splashes back, wetting pants and shoes.
According to foreign media on the 24th (local time), the London borough authorities recently revived the use of special paint as a measure to reduce public urination damage caused by the increase in intoxicated people after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
This method had already been implemented and proven effective years ago in Germany and the United States. In March 2015, it gained attention as a revenge method against public urination in St. Pauli, a nightlife district in Hamburg, Germany. Applying this special paint to walls prevents urine from soaking in, thereby stopping urine stains or odors from permeating the walls.
Also, when urine hits the wall, it is not absorbed but bounces off. As a result, it ends up on the shoes or clothes of the person involved. According to authorities, the paint was applied to 12 Soho streets crowded with clubs, restaurants, theaters, and other entertainment venues. Signs stating "This wall is not a urinal" were also installed at these locations. Authorities plan to gradually expand the coverage if the effect is confirmed.
This measure was taken in response to complaints from about 3,000 Soho residents and business owners. Authorities explained, "Since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, public urination incidents have increased significantly in central London, and residents are suffering from urine odors," adding, "Cleaning operations cost 950,000 pounds (1.45 billion won) annually."
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