Decision details

The Committee gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the public convenience door access control project.

Decision

The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee:

1.    noted the outcomes of the review of the door-access charging systems, undertaken following the Committee decision of June 2024 to pause the rollout pending assessment of system reliability and income performance;

2.    approved the proposal to retain charging at the four higher-performing sites (Inveraray, Helensburgh, Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead), where income levels remain sustainable and operational performance is acceptable;

3.    agreed to recommend to Council that the remaining five sites revert to free access supported by honesty boxes, on the basis that this provides a proportionate, low-cost means of maintaining a public contribution mechanism at locations where charging infrastructure is not commercially viable;

4.    noted that public conveniences are a non-statutory service and that charging was introduced as a means of supporting financial sustainability. The proposed hybrid model ensures income continues to be generated in a way that is proportionate and operationally manageable; and

5.    agreed that the remaining unspent funding from the original £300,000 programme (c. £150k) be held over for a further report setting out future options for the Public Convenience estate.

(Reference: Report by Executive Director with responsibility for Roads and Infrastructure Services, dated 1 March 2026, submitted)