Baffling Toilet Signs

By Miss Cellania in Everything Else on Jul 21, 2009 at 11:09 am

New signs for a public loo in Winchcombe, England have people scratching their heads. The infographic resembles a skier with poles, or a man on an escalator. The words “ambulant urinal” convey the idea of a urinal that walks.

Barbara Heard, from Gretton Road, Winchcombe, said she failed to understand how the signs could have been sanctioned by Tewkesbury Borough Council.

She said: “Does anyone have any idea what these signs mean?

“My husband and I regard ourselves as fairly intelligent but we have no idea.

“What will our overseas visitors will make of these signs?

Chris Pike of the Tewkesbury Borough Council says “ambulant” restrooms are larger than standard, and are “intended for people who may be partially disabled but cannot access the full disabled unit.” Link -via Arbroath

Tags: English, signs, toilet

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Smolken
Jul 21st, 2009 at 11:36 am
My initial thought, given that it’s intended for a restroom, was that it was someone with two canes (somewhat, but not fully disabled). I agree it’s an awful choice, but it doesn’t seem that baffling when you consider the context in which you would see it.
Skipweasel
Jul 21st, 2009 at 11:52 am
Some people are easily baffled – and some love to display just how easily.

If there’s any doubt – why not open the door and see if it’s suitable?
Alistair
Jul 21st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
In the US at least they are called ambulatory stalls. They are narrower than the large accessible stalls usually seen in multi-stall restrooms, but they still have the handrails on each side to aide in getting up and down, I assume that’s what the “canes” are supposed to represent.
algomeysa
Jul 21st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
In the US they’re called Handicapped stalls.
Crispy75
Jul 21st, 2009 at 3:14 pm
They’re mandatory in any run of cubicles over a certain size, by the building regulations. It’s a fairly recent rule, so you don’t see them everywhere.
AmyG
Jul 21st, 2009 at 3:36 pm
My question is, what’s with the sexism? Male “ambulants” get their own urinal restroom, but females have to share?? Funny decision-making all around . . .
Church
Jul 22nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
“Chris Pike of the Tewkesbury Borough Council says “ambulant” restrooms are larger than standard…”

Well yeah. Captain Pike has to get his giant wheelchair in there.

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