my opinion is that if you can avoid it, then queue and wait for the usual toilet to be free.

the disabled toilet should only be used if you are disabled or are really in dire need (which I propose is a form of disability) or are trying to get a kid to use a toilet which could take some bloody time (my son is autistic – it might not be a physical disability, but it definitely makes it “interesting” (ie: loud) when it comes to getting him to do some things…)

I would say if you’re able-bodied then queue up. The disabled loos are designated for disabled people and it would be unfair for someone to have to wait while you were in there. Some disabled people, particularly wheelchair users, have no choice but to use the disabled loos, they can’t queue up like you can. So it wouldn’t be on for you to be in there, when you could easily queue.

It’s like a disabled parking space: would you think it’s ok to use one if you’re say just running to the ATM or in for a paper? I doubt it, again disabled parking spaces are provided close to shops for a reason (not enough of them are provided at that, most shopping centres only have one or two which is a disgrace.)

However (LOL yes, of course there’s a but) I have on occassion used a disabled toilet if there has been a queue in the Ladies. I have bowel disease and when it’s active it’s VERY active meaning I would need the loo with a huge sense of urgency. Faced with the choice of using a disabled toilet or quite literally soiling myself in front of a room full of people, I choose the disabled loo and I would argue my right to use it in that extreme situation. When I am well and the Crohn’s Disease is inactive, I would never use a disabled toilet.