North Yorkshire residents and visitors could see higher standards and improved reliability at public toilets across the county under new proposals being considered by councillors.
The council operates more public toilets than any other in the UK, with 85 traditional facilities and eight specialised Changing Places toilets. Of these 93 sites, 65 are free to use, while most paid sites have not increased fees for nearly 20 years.
On Tuesday, February 3rd, the council’s executive will review recommendations aimed at ensuring all sites are in good or excellent condition by 2030. Key proposals include introducing a consistent entry fee of 40p or 50p, funding toilets near council-run car parks through parking charges, and exploring alternative income streams such as app donations, advertising, sponsorship, and community partnerships.
Some sites with low footfall, poor condition, or close proximity to other toilets may be closed, while improvements are planned for popular locations. Enhancements could include water bottle refill stations, baby changing facilities, sanitary waste disposal, better signage, and environmentally friendly initiatives such as greywater recycling and renewable energy use.
Disabled users would continue to access facilities free of charge via the national RADAR key scheme, and the council plans to expand Changing Places facilities for those with profound needs.
Executive member for managing the environment, Cllr Richard Foster, said: “While public toilets are not a statutory service, their importance for residents and visitors cannot be underestimated. These proposals will help deliver a consistent, reliable, and economically sustainable service across North Yorkshire.”
The council is also encouraging communities and parish councils to run local facilities to ensure wider access.
Improvements are already underway at Pickering’s The Ropery, with further work planned in Pateley Bridge and Malton.
Full details of the proposals are available at North Yorkshire Council eDemocracy
