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Spending a penny costs 40p

(11 Posts)
Gelisajams Thu 10-Jan-19 20:19:58

I have just returned from Keswick in the Lake District where the cost of the public toilets was 40p! I am generally happy to pay a small charge to use facilities as wages to keep them clean, hot water, toilet rolls, soap etc don’t come free and would otherwise be paid for by cash strapped councils. However I do feel 40p is a little extortionate. But what really shocked me was the entrance stile had a contactless payment card facility! I never thought I’d see the day when I’d need my credit card for a quick visit to the loo!

Lollin Thu 10-Jan-19 21:47:17

shock
I wish toilets had to display big signs stating much they charge. It helps me sort myself out in advance nd decide whether to drink or not. Councils should help by providing maps of the locations along with a list of charges then travelling would be a little more relaxing.

PECS Thu 10-Jan-19 22:02:18

We successfully campaigned for our local public toilets to be re-opened! They are free!

MiniMoon Thu 10-Jan-19 22:04:13

It costs 40p at Glasgow central station too. I haven't visited it for some time, but I thought it was an expensive pee! I don't think that they have card readers there though.

MissAdventure Thu 10-Jan-19 22:20:31

Oh yes, Glasgow station. You can't get through the turnstile until you've paid up..

mumofmadboys Fri 11-Jan-19 00:02:59

I live in Keswick. I use the loo for free in Booths if I am in town and need a loo. Hope you enjoyed other things about Keswick!

Gelisajams Fri 11-Jan-19 08:54:07

We visit Keswick quite frequently and always call in one of the cafes so we don’t usually need the public toilets. It was the idea of using a card to pay 40p that shocked me!

Lollin Fri 11-Jan-19 09:46:48

That's what shocked me too Gelisajams

stella1949 Fri 11-Jan-19 10:36:19

I can't believe it - paying for the toilet. I have lived in Australia for years and I've never paid for the toilet here. Write to your local council - this is ridiculous. Surely they can make money in some other way !

goldengirl Fri 11-Jan-19 11:34:27

Going to the loo should be a HUMAN RIGHT - and be free. It ranks alongside breathing and eating. Charging for a natural function we can't avoid is unacceptable but in spite of campaigns there are still many councils who continue the practice. However railway stations [depending on who owns them] are halting charges.

One of the reasons for charging is not just to pay for loo rolls, cleaning etc but to reduce misuse [although there are ways to do this that don't affect everyone else] and stop homeless people from using them as a shelter - instead of providing them with somewhere to keep warm throughout the year; not just at Christmas

bonji Fri 11-Jan-19 13:52:32

Agree with everyone’s comments on a charge of 40p to use a loo but thought you might be interested in the following: If you have a Smart phone you can search on the App finder for an app to show the location of public toilets. When you have downloaded the app you can search for toilets in a given area. We use the app called Flush but am sure there are others. We found out about this from a neighbour as with us all living in bungalows around here we are all ‘getting on a bit’ - need I say more! DH has just told me some of the apps give the cost to use the loo and also says some apps are better than others so give several a try.