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AIBU?

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Original poster

I just found out about this???

188 replies

PonyPals · 04/03/2025 09:21

To all the UK Mners. Is it true you have to pay to use the public bathrooms??

OP posts:
xILikeJamx · 04/03/2025 09:31

As above - in some places (usually train stations etc) you'll pay something like 20p, but in general public toilets are free.

I would say I've noticed this being more prevalent in european places I've visited - Italy, Germany, etc I've paid to use toilets. Got caught short in Budapest once and ran into a Mcdonalds to use the toilet and there was a guy with a little till outside the toilet taking €2 off everyone!

Puppupandaway · 04/03/2025 09:31

Quite often at seaside places you might have to put in 20p to open the door, but if it's not manned most people hold the door open for the next person so not everyone has to pay.

Sometimes the payment means it's much nicer toilets. I've never had to pay anywhere else, just seaside locations (and obviously some railway stations).

NewYearNewDietAgain · 04/03/2025 09:30

My local public loos we have to pay for. 20p to get the door open. Quite often people (me included!) will turn the lock when finished to stop the door closing so the next person can use it for free. I don't see why people should have to pay to pee!

There is also a Tesco a 10 minute walk from there that has toilets that are free.

Anonym00se · 04/03/2025 09:29

Yes, sometimes. There are very, very few public toilets in my area now. The usual thing is to sneak into a pub or cafe and use theirs. Sometimes you have to buy something to get a code. Some train stations still have free toilets but the mainline ones usually charge.

It’s not just the UK, it’s similar in tourist areas across Europe.

IdaClair · 04/03/2025 09:28

In some places yes. In many rural areas and communities they charge for the facilities as they are remote and difficult to upkeep.

I find far more pay to use in remote areas than urban train stations

PersephonesPomegranate · 04/03/2025 09:27

The Dunkeld (Perthshire, Scotland) public toilets are 50p admission. There is a dragon of a woman in the booth policing this. Having been caught short with no cash, I've learnt that if you ask very politely, she will allow you in without the fee. Though she does look at you as though you've farted on her toast for daring to ask 😂

(I did return to pay my 50p once it was no longer a urinary emergency!)

Grumpyoldpersonwithcats · 04/03/2025 09:26

Sometimes but not universally.
It's where the euphemism 'to spend a penny' comes from.

Overthebow · 04/03/2025 09:24

Some yes, others no.

Fitzcarraldo353 · 04/03/2025 09:24

BeachRide · 04/03/2025 09:23

In some places such as train stations there's a token payment, yes. Worth it for the cleanliness.

Even that's being phased out in a lot of places. Certainly London train stations don't charge anymore (at least not in Victoria or Charing Cross).

Wowzel · 04/03/2025 09:23

Sometimes, depends where they are.

BeachRide · 04/03/2025 09:23

In some places such as train stations there's a token payment, yes. Worth it for the cleanliness.

ForeverPombear · 04/03/2025 09:22

No

SkyOfficer · 04/03/2025 09:22

No.

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