‘Disaster’ parking blasted
NEW parking restrictions planned for Finnieston will have a ‘disastrous’ impact, residents claim.
If passed by councillors, the new scheme - aimed at stopping Hydro traffic clogging up local streets - will see some of the most restricted parking in the city.
But not all locals are entitled to permits, leaving some with nowhere to park.
A RESIDENT has hit back at “disastrous” new parking restrictions proposed for Glasgow’s West End.
Glasgow City Council plans to implement what will be some of the most restrictive regulations in the city at Finnieston in a bid to stop gig goers clogging residential streets.
But locals in properties built after 2000 are not entitled to resident parking permits.
Homeowner Tom Watson said: “The implications of this are disastrous. Yes, there is pandemonium when there are gigs on at the Hydro but that is not every day.
“I agree that something has to be done about that but residents who are in the same position as myself and my neighbours, should be given options.”
Mr Watson bought his Minerva Way flat in November last year for his two daughters to share.
One has since sold her vehicle but the other needs her car for getting to work.
He claims he was not told he would not be eligible for a permit when he bought the flat and was not aware the restrictions were under consultation.
New restrictions would be in place from 8am until midnight seven days a week, a change from the current 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.
They also mean drivers would be allowed to park for two hours maximum.
If approved, the new restrictions are likely to come into force by October.
Mr Watson said the council recommended using visitors permits – but these are limited to 40 a year and only run until 10pm.
He added: “We have learned to live with the current restrictions but the changes would have a major, major impact on our lives.
“I’m getting nothing in the way of help from the council.
“We just want options, whether that’s extending the time of the visitor permits or allowing us to have a residents permit.”
A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “This initiative has been in the planning for two years.
“The changes have been driven by the majority of the local community who were seeking ways of preventing patrons of the Scottish Events Campus from parking in nearby residential streets in Finnieston in the evening.
“These measures have the support of the local community council and have been widely advertised and the subject of extensive consultation.
“The residents who are adversely affected are aware they are not eligible to apply for parking permits.”