Plans for late night parking charges in Glasgow 'on hold'

Glasgow City Council has placed plans to extend parking charges in the city centre until 22:00 'on hold' following a backlash.

Plans announced last month meant that motorists faced having to pay to park between 08:00 and 22:00, seven days a week.

Drivers can currently park their car in metered bays in some parts of the city centre for free after 18:00.

The council has now said the changes will not be implemented until 2025 "at the earliest".

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

“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 city has 22 zones with parking restrictions where metered bays are in place and residents have to purchase permits.

They are mainly in the centre and west of the city, the council has said it is prioritising parking for residents in these areas.

The plans were announced in February as part of cost-saving measures in the council's three-year budget.

The spokesperson continued: "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.”

There was fears the plans would deter motorists from the city centre

Business owners and motorists had hit out at the plans, saying it would deter people from visiting the city centre.

The Night Time Industries Association, which represents business owners in Glasgow, has welcomed the decision, stating the plans would "significantly burden" the city's night time economy.

A spokesperson for the association said: "This move comes as a huge relief to our sector, which is already facing an immensely challenging trading environment.

"We are hopeful that the reversal of this policy marks a first step towards Glasgow Council becoming more responsive to the concerns of businesses, consumers and workers as well as supporting the vitality of our night time economy and culture."