Yes this is a problem we should solve but it's kind of ridiculous to imply it's an issue only in America. In the vast majority of countries on earth, you must either pay or purchase something to use the restroom.
See also https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2018/11/ma...
Free public ones do exist but they're not common (and the ones with a charge are a lot more than a penny).
It was especially annoying at railway stations and shopping centres, both places which usually have free conveniences in the UK.
Literally the worst example. There are +400 automated self-cleaning toilets (accessible to people with disabilities)
https://capgeo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Media/index.html?appid=5...
There are some public restrooms which aren't, mainly around tourist areas, but there's usually a sign and an attendant. The ones in GP's post are fully automated.
the third graphic in this article refutes this directly.