Glasgow City Council halts plans to extend parking charges after backlash

Glasgow City Council has halted plans to extend parking charges following major backlash from local businesses.

The decision comes after thirteen organisations and businesses joined forces to call on council leader Susan Aitken to reconsider the proposals to extend charges to 10pm every day.

A letter from business owners warned the proposed parking fees could lead to a loss of hundreds of jobs in bars, restaurants, theatres and nightclubs and potential closures of many otherwise viable businesses throughout the city.

The council said that they proposed charges would be reviewed after taking on board the feedback.

A spokesperson said the proposed changes were part of the council’s plans to create a “positive” environment for visitors and the “growing” residential population.

It was confirmed that no changes to pay and display hours would take effect until 2025 “at the earliest”.

A spokesman for Glasgow Council said: “The proposed changes to pay and display hours in parking zones require public consultation and will take time to implement.

“No changes on pay and display hours will take effect until 2025 at the earliest.

“But we have taken on board initial feedback from the city centre hospitality sector and we will review the proposal for the city centre.

“The longstanding approach on parking controls has been to prioritise parking for residents in the city’s 22 parking zones.

“Pay and display parking until 10pm is already in place in a number of parking zones and we want to ensure the best possible protection for residential parking.

“Our city centre plans are focused on creating a positive environment for visitors and a growing residential population.

“A significant majority of people already use sustainable transport to access the city centre and this is something we want to build upon.

“But we want to get the balance right for those who rely on private vehicles to come into the city centre and also the promotion of Glasgow’s evening economy as we work to support city centre regeneration and recovery.”