Glasgow Subway boss retires days after ‘cloned car’ allegations

The chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) has retired with immediate effect after he was alleged to have driven an illegal cloned car.

It comes after the the Sunday Mail newspaper reported that Gordon Maclennan had two cars with the same registration plate.

Following an investigation, the newspaper pictured Maclennan driving a cloned silver Passat at his holiday home on the Isle of Lewis.

But, the newspaper said that an almost identical blue Passat car with the same registration was pictured at his office in Glasgow at the same time.

An SPT spokesperson said: “Mr Gordon Maclennan, 72, has informed the SPT chair, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos, that he wishes to retire with immediate effect. This has been accepted and SPT thank Mr Maclennan for his many years of service.”

Maclennan denied the allegations when questioned by a reporter from the Sunday Mail. But on Sunday it was confirmed that he had been suspended, pending an investigation.

Cloning a registration plate is illegal, as cloned cars could escape paying tax, insurance and MOT costs. They can also be used to avoid fines for speeding and driving offences.

Maclennan said: “It has been a privilege to lead SPT over the past 10 years and as I retire, I wish my colleagues continued success in assisting the citizens of Strathclyde in addressing the changing transport requirements.”

SPT runs the Glasgow Subway as well as subsidised bus services in and around the city.