FEARS that free toilets could lead to anti-social behaviour at Queen Street Station was not the reason why a promise to scrap charges was abandoned.

ScotRail has confirmed that the decision was based on cost.

The train operator and owner of Queen Street Station has been criticised for reversing a plan to end charges at the Glasgow station as well as others in Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness.

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It initially stated a potential increase in anti-social behaviour on police advice was a factor.

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

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.

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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.”

Central Station which is owned and operated by Network Rail is the busiest in Scotland handles 32 million passengers a year double that of Queen Street.

Toilet charges at the station were removed in April along with charges at other busy stations including Edinburgh Waverley.

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.

The only stand alone Glasgow City Council public toilets in the city centre close to the station is at St Vincent Place which also has a charge of 20p. Other toilets are available in public buildings like museums and libraries.

There are also toilets at Collins Street near Glasgow Cathedral which also have a charge.

The u-turn on scrapping the charge has been criticised by Age Scotland who say it is a barrier to travel for some older people.

Chief Executive Brian Sloan 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.”