AS of Monday, September 13, public toilets which are the responsibility of South Ayrshire Council are due to go cashless.

Instead, you will be able to use you’ll be able to use a bank card or smart phone.

It is hoped the change will mean no more scrambling around for the correct change to ‘spend a penny’.

The toilets which will have contactless readers installed are: Ayr Arthur Street, Ayr Blackburn Drive, Ayr Low Green, Barassie, Dunure Kennedy Park, Maybole, Prestwick Links Road, Troon St Meddans, and Girvan Harbour.

The public toilets at Barr and Ballantrae will not be affected by this change.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, Environment Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has made us much more aware of the advantages of cashless payments, particularly when it comes to hygiene.

“We are now becoming used to presenting our bank cards or smart phones at supermarkets, petrol stations and in a growing number of shops.

“It made sense for us to follow suit and limit the handling of cash at our public conveniences. You just swipe your card or phone, and the paddle gate will open.

“It’s important to note that our accessible toilet facilities are not affected and remain free of charge.” 

When the contactless readers are installed, cash will no longer be accepted. For more information on public conveniences visit www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/public-conveniences.