‘Pee paint’ deployed to prevent public urination

“Pee paint” is used in some areas of Leeds to encourage people not to urinate in public.

The paint, which repels liquids, was applied to walls in “key locations” across the city, the council said.

It followed “utterly unpleasant” reports of people urinating on houses in the Hyde Park area, according to Jonathan Pryor, the council’s deputy leader.

“If you relieve yourself against this, you will end up covered in your own urine,” warns Mr. Pryor.

Pee paint had previously been used in Headingley in response to the behavior of some participants in the famous Otley Run pub crawl, the council said.

The Otley Run route, which includes parts of Headingley and Hyde Park, is subject to a public space protection order, meaning people can be fined up to ‘to £1,000 for offenses such as urinating in public.

‘Good time’

Mr Pryor, who represents the Headingley and Hyde Park ward, said the painting was first introduced to Leeds by Al Garthwaite, then mayor of the city.

He added that “it seemed like the right time for another series of urine painting.”

The paint, which was not visible once applied, was used in “key places where we know this is happening,” Mr. Pryor said.

However, he remained mum on the exact locations, meaning future public urinals could be in for a nasty surprise.

“We still have a little left. I have received recommendations from residents on where this is needed,” he said.

It is believed that this special paint was also used in several other cities in the UK and overseas.

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