New laws are needed to stop cities like Brighton and Hove closing vital public toilets, say campaigners.
The British Toilet Association (BTA) has seized on figures revealing a major decline in the number of public conveniences between 2000 and 2004.
The number of toilets maintained by Brighton and Hove City Council has fallen from 22 to 18 in the past four years.
The number of public lavatories is also in decline across Sussex, with one set of toilets being scrapped in Eastbourne, one in Adur, two in Arun, three in Chichester, three in Horsham and two in Worthing.
The BTA has accused councils of shutting lavatories to save money.
Spokeswoman Catherine Murphy said: "Local authorities are using excuses such as vandalism, antisocial behaviour and general misuse to close toilets.
"It is particularly serious for people who are elderly, ill or with children."
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