I have pelvic floor tightness that has been exacerbated by starting Elvanse/Vyvanse, which means I often go from feeling nothing to suddenly feeling that I will wet myself if I don't find a toilet within 10 minutes, which is how I found this, the most persuasive argument I've ever seen against neoliberal austerity.
The main criticism of these kinds of urinals (yes, it's not the only one in London) is that they only serve able bodied and mostly cis men. I get the argument, but as an able bodied cis man (albeit one with a history of social anxiety) myself, I'd rather piss in the bushes. Going in the bushes is at least discreet, whereas this urinal may as well have a billboard saying "This motherfucker's got his cock out."
Edit: I did some further research and found this article from the BBC that says Westminster (the London borough containing Soho, Oxford Street, and many other major shopping and nightlife areas) only has 8 public restrooms for it's 8.3 square miles. That's terrible, even if this isn't counted as one of those 8, which it shouldn't be.
Having visited China, as an able bodied cis male with no urination problems whatsoever, it's crazy the difference it can make to have widely available free public toilets essentially everywhere.
Knowing that at any time you're within 100-200/m of a well signalled, decently clean toilet, means that no longer do I have to think about how much to reduce my liquid intake in preparation for going out to take a walk or be with friends on the street. Thirsty? Just drink some water or get yourself something or whatever you want. It was fucking great I'm telling you.
Are a lot of public toilets over there squat toilets? I've heard a lot of mixed things and I haven't been able to get a clear answer.
I've only been to male toilets. In my experience it depends on the area you're visiting. A more modern neighborhood may have toilets and urinals, whereas older neighborhoods usually feature squat toilets.