A local authority is considering introducing a “transient visitor levy” that would help it better fund local facilities, including public toilets, a recent news report has argued.
The tourist tax could raise between £5m and £10m a year and if introduced, would mainly be spent on improving infrastructure and facilities, which locals claim can no longer support the millions who visit.
The report said: “Highland is not alone in experiencing visitor pressures and seeking ways of raising income to try and address these.
“This has led to a number of UK destinations considering some form of visitor levy – most notably Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
“However, although the ability to raise a levy from visitors already exists in other countries, current legislation does not give local authorities the power to raise local taxes so primary or secondary legislation would be required before this could occur in Scotland.”
MSPs heard earlier this year that a tourist tax was needed to prevent visitors having to “go to the toilet behind a bush”.
Holyrood’s tourism committee was told visitor numbers were putting pressure on roads, car parks and public toilets, and that a tax would pay for improvements to amenities, ensuring tourists were not left with a bad impression of the area.
While the Highland Council’s idea is certainly noteworthy, charging a fee for access is quite often the most sensible solution when it comes to public toilets’ funding – and indeed keeping these facilities open for the general public, and this is exactly where Toilet Turnstiles could really put its experience to good work.
Our toilet turnstiles are built from graded stainless steel, for easier cleaning and maintenance, and also come equipped with lockable lids to prevent unwanted access. Furthermore, the separate coin box offers very versatile mounting options, as it can be installed either in front of the turnstile, at the side or alternatively, on the wall, with the cash box at the rear.
The turnstile’s coin mechanism can be programmed for virtually any combination of coins with a secure cash box to hold them, while the additional counters for the number of entries made will enable a thorough level of control over the system’s operation.
If you need some additional information regarding our extensive range of products, just get in touch, we’ll be sure to answer any and all of your queries.