Glasgow considers congestion charges

GLASGOW City Council is to consider introducing a congestion charge for the city centre within the next three years.

A Labour amendment was voted through to alter the Low Emission Zone plan to introduce fines for buses that don’t meet the standards, include all vehicles in a second phase, and to bring in a road user charging scheme.

The plans will now go forward for the council’s City Administration Committee to consider.

The SNP councillors tried to block the amendment but were outvoted eight to seven by the Labour, Green and Tory members.

But the city’s leading business organisation – the Chamber of Commerce – said it would push customers away from city centre firms.

The council leadership has set up a connectivity commission under leading transport expert, Professor David Begg, to recommend proposals to reduce congestion, improve public transport and air quality.

However, it is understood to want time to make improvements to ensure the alternatives are viable before a measure like congestion charging is introduced.

Matt Kerr, Cardonald Labour councillor, raised the proposal which could see a congestion charge in place in the city centre by the end of 2020.

Mr Kerr said: “By reducing the number of cars, we will make our city centre a more attractive place to visit, to spend time in and to do business.”

The SNP councillors said they were not against the idea of congestion charging but wanted a paper to be brought separate to the Low Emission Zone.