The UK's Richest Train Station Toilets Revealed

There's pretty much nothing that can't be monetised now, including the use of toilets at train stations.

Initial outrage when the charges first came in has given way to weary acceptance, but now it's been revealed just how much money Network Rail are raking in from the move.

The four biggest money-makers when you spend a penny are all in London, with Victoria grossing an astonishing £2.3m over the last three years, Euston £1.8m, Kings Cross £1.4m and Paddington £1.2m. The biggest non-London toilets are at Manchester Piccadilly, which made £1.1m in the same period.

However, a case study by the Liverpool Echo, which examined Liverpool Lime Street, revealed that over half of the £402,680 income was retained as profit; only £10,000 was spent on toilet paper and soap, with £41,000 on staffing costs. Passengers will rightly be wondering why the cost of using them - 30p at Liverpool Lime Street - is as high as it is.

Mike Hewitson, head of policy at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, told The Echo: "Passengers dislike having to pay to use toilets at stations, particularly when they have forked out on an expensive train ticket. It is important that money raised is spent on maintaining and improving facilities at stations."

A Network Rail spokesperson responded by saying: "Network Rail operates the biggest and busiest stations in Britain. Toilet facilities are available at all these stations and are open to everyone, not just rail users. The small charge we make for using the public toilet facilities in our stations helps to maintain them, ensures they are fully staffed and prevents misuse such as vandalism and other anti-social behaviour. Any profit from station toilets is reinvested in the railway and passenger facilities."

Take a look at the top 13 stations below.

Income in last three financial years:

1. London Victoria: £2,300,511

2. London Euston: £1,828,110

3. London Kings Cross: £1,394,795

4. London Paddington: £1,172,740

5. Manchester Piccadilly: £1,115,677

6. London Liverpool St: £1,007,414

7. Edinburgh Waverley: £752,194

8. Birmingham New Street: £702,533

9. London Charing Cross: £653,721

10. Glasgow Central: £601,478

11. Leeds: £544,976

12. Liverpool Lime Street: £402,680

13. London Bridge: £358,658