ScotRail has scrapped proposals to allow free access to toilets at Glasgow Queen Street station.

The station, which is currently undergoing a £120m development, is one of four Scottish stations to maintain the charges.

The decision comes less than a matter of months after Network Rail scrapped fees at Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.

ScotRail had been looking to follow suit with Glasgow Queen Street, Aberdeen Inverness and Fort William, but they now say the move is not viable.

They said British Transport Police are concerned that free toilet access could increase anti-social behaviour, but then confirmed that the decision was based on cost.

Charges have been removed from Central Station for several months now with no noticeable change in anti social behaviour reported.

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ScotRail said costs are rising every year and it is not viable to remove the charge, instead it will increase from 30p to 50p a visit.

It had said it received feedback from British Transport Police that said there was a potential for increased anti-social behaviour.

However, BTP said that while it did provide advice, it has been confirmed that the decision was taken on a business basis.

ScotRail said that operating costs increase each year and that has resulted in the increase in the charge.

A spokesman for ScotRail, said: “The vast majority of toilet facilities provided by ScotRail are free and open to all - this includes every toilet on board our trains, and the accessible toilets at stations.

“After carrying out full safety assessments, gaining feedback from industry partners and assessing the long-term costs, it was established that removing charges at four stations was not a viable option.”

Currently the toilets at Queen Street Station are located outside the station building in a temporary cabin while redevelopment work goes on.

During the work there are no gates and the toilets are free. It is not known for how long by work is due to be complete next year and the 50p charge will apply.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “This is a significant let down to older people and those with medical conditions who are very likely to use these toilets when travelling. 

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"Despite receiving millions of pounds of taxpayer subsidy and ticket prices at sky-high rates, news that ScotRail is not prepared to match an identical commitment by Network Rail to make public toilets free to use is thoroughly disappointing.

“We already know from our own research that many older people don’t make journeys when they know they won’t have a convenient toilet stop on the way.  After speaking to hundreds of older people about their transport needs last year, we found that well over a third said they’d use public transport more if access to toilets was easier. 

"Charging people and forcing them to look for the right change is yet another barrier to travel and has a substantial impact on the public health challenge of loneliness and isolation which already impacts on the lives of hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland. 

“ScotRail is using the excuse that free toilets in stations would lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour. The response to that must be to improve security, not put up barriers for the vast majority who simply want to use the toilet on their journey. Scotrail should review this decision and give something back.”