It’s ‘Pee-Back’ Time: City Takes On Public Urination With ‘Splashback Paint’

This holiday season, locals thinking of skipping the line to the washroom and urinating in public could be met with an unwelcomed shock, as the Westminster City Council has lined Soho’s streets with a special “pee paint.” 

Interestingly, the “splash back” paint works by creating a water-repellent layer on walls, making urine or other liquids it comes into contact with bounce back onto the perpetrator and leaving them soaked in their own mistery.

According to the council, the paint has been deployed in the worst affected areas in Soho following complaints from residents. Those caught in the splash back will receive written warnings issued by City Inspectors.

Unfortunately, such measures have had to be taken in response to the rampant problem of public urination, which has worsened since pandemic restrictions were eased. Not only does it cost over US$1 million to clean up every year, but it has understandably started to “pee off the residents.” 

As part of a Don’t Pee Off Soho campaign, the anti-pee paint has been installed in targeted areas just ahead of the festivities, with the council planning to paint five more locations come the new year. 

“It’s finally pee-back time and we’re taking action to stop people using alleyways or doorways as a toilet. The ingenious paint is one of a number of steps we are taking to discourage people from relieving themselves in public or on private property,” says Councillor Aicha Less, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection.

[via BBC and City of Westminster, images via various sources]