Boris Johnson is panned over lack of loos on £1bn Crossrail trains

Boris Johnson is under pressure to rethink the likely design of a £1billion new fleet of Crossrail trains after admitting none will have lavatories.

A search has begun for a company that can provide 60 new trains for the 73-mile service linking Heathrow with 36 stations across Essex, Berkshire and London when it opens in 2018.

But the Mayor revealed there would be no lavatories on the 220-yard-long trains - expected to be similar to new rolling stock on the East London line -nor at six central London stations being built for the £14.8billion project.

This is because it will be a "high- frequency metro-style service", though many journeys will exceed an hour.

Richard Chisnell of the British Toilet Association said: "How can they justify not having toilet provision? It's outrageous we are discussing the subject in a civilised country. With a journey of over 45 minutes and the ever-present risk of a delay, a toilet is essential."

Jo De Bank of London Travelwatch said lavatories would mean fewer seats but added that the subject was a concern for those on longer trips. "We'd want to look at this closely," she said.

Mr Johnson told Tory London Assembly member James Cleverly it was "not intended that toilets will be provided on board Crossrail trains". Mr Cleverly called the situation "disappointing".