Glasgow City Council passes motion to lower speed limit on M8 motorway in city centre

A motion has been passed to trial lower speed limits on a section of the M8 that runs through the centre of Glasgow.

Councillors in the city have agreed to look for ways to reduce the impact of the motorway in the short term before eventually seeking to downgrade the road to a ‘boulevard’.

Major changes to the road could include introducing yet-to-be confirmed speed restrictions.

It comes as parts of the motorway may become subject to Glasgow’s low emission zone rules – where cars that fail to meet less-polluting emission standards will face a penalty charge.

Greens councillor Christy Mearns, who brought forward the original motion, described the M8 as “standing in the way” of creating healthy neighbourhoods, while one councillor likened the road to a “scar” that “tore through communities”.

SNP convener for transport, Angus Millar, has seconded the motion and has written to the government asking for slower speeds to be considered.

He said: “The conversation the council is looking to take forward with the Scottish Government over the future of the M8’s city centre stretch is wide ranging, and I am delighted that we have agreed cross-party support for this work at full council.”

The Conservatives opposed the proposals and argued that they would “likely damage the city’s economy and the jobs, which people in our city rely on”.

Transport Scotland, who own and control the road, said it was open to engaging with the council on the potential impacts of any proposals.

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Transport Scotland are open to engagement with Glasgow City Council on any proposal they put forward – and to any discussions on the shared benefits and potential impacts of such a proposal.

“We will respond to the correspondence received in due course.”