Disabled users to pay same charge at Westbury toilets

Disabled users of public toilets in Westbury will be subject to the same 20p charge as other users, after councillors decided separate arrangements would not be introduced. 

It was announced earlier this year that following the refurbishment of the toilets at the High Street car park and Warminster Road car park, a 20p charge would apply to use the facilities, payable by card only, with arrangements to be considered for disabled users. 

At a Full Council meeting on Monday 6th July, councillors agreed that the 20p charge will apply to all users. 

Cllr Julie Wright said she was concerned that a free access system for disabled users could be exploited by people who did not require it. 

Cllr Mark Harper suggested the council could reimburse users who could prove they were disabled, asking, “Is this something we could look at?”  

Deputy Mayor Cllr Mike Sutton responded, “I think it’s a good point, but we did look at this in quite a lot of detail. It would be very expensive to go around that sort of system. 

“We did look at the disability act. All the disability act says is you give people equal access, so they’re not disadvantaged. You know, a restaurant has to provide a ramp to get you there, but you don’t get a free bill just because you’re disabled. 

“I think we don’t have the resources to have a very, very expensive system.” 

The council had considered a keypad-controlled access system which would allow users to contact a telephone service and obtain an access code to unlock the facility. Concerns were raised about the cost, as Westbury Town Council would have to pay £1,050 to install the system and £1,100 per year in service charges to maintain it. 

It was also highlighted that the process could take time, which might be problematic for individuals who require urgent access to toilet facilities. 

Another option under consideration was radar keys, which are used to unlock public toilets. Due to these being easily purchased online, concerns were raised about the ability to control access and prevent misuse of the facilities. 

Cllr Sutton described the universal charge as “the only way to go” after reviewing the cost and disadvantages of possible alternative options. 

Almost all councillors present at the meeting, excluding Cllr Paulina Ulatowska who abstained, voted in favour of the decision. 

All refurbished toilet units will be fully accessible to disabled users. 

Pictured above: the 20p charge at the newly re-opened High Street car park toilets; below, the Warminster Road car park toilets