The Asian Age

Paris baulks at ‘ very public’ urinals

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◗ ‘ Uritrottoi­rs’ are being criticised as they cater only to men, while the authoritie­s say that they will free existing toilets for women

France: Paris’s penchant for urban urinals has taken a new ecological turn with trialling of a new dry and allegedly odourless version known as the uritrottoi­r.

But the red- topped receptacle appears to have mainly provoked ribbing and ridicule and, among some local residents, even rage.

“It’s a little weird... but if you need to go it’s better than to going on the street," admits Jonathan, a tourist from New York. “It’s a little bit in the open, some people might be uncomforta­ble,” he said as several boats floated past along Seine.

These dry, organic urinals do not use water but are filled with straw which can be easily composted, according to French design agency Faltazi.

The biggest criticism so far is that the uritrottoi­rs only cater to men. “For reasons of privacy, women need to be in a cabin, so the aim is to free up existing toilets for them,” the company says.

Local resident Francoise said she was “outraged” by its presence, describing it as “really not very attractive.” City Hall said it had installed the facilities "at the request of residents" while noting the project was still in a trial phase.

The urinal must be accessible by vehicle in order to be emptied and to change the straw once every three weeks.

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