Council pushes for lower speeds on M8 in Glasgow

The M8 section through Glasgow is set to change

Glasgow City Council has passed a motion to start a trial of lower speed limits on a section of the M8 that goes through the city.

Councillors hope to eventually transform that section of motorway into a boulevard style of road.

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

Transport Scotland said it was open to engaging with the council on the potential impacts of any proposals.

Councillors have agreed to look for ways to "mitigate" the impact of the M8 in the short term before eventually seeking to downgrade the road.

They will discuss a range of actions with the Scottish government, as the motorway is owned and controlled by Transport Scotland.

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Greens councillor Christy Mearns said the motorway was "standing in the way" of creating healthy neighbourhoods. She said many people lived on its edges in areas such as Anderston, Cowcaddens and Townhead.

Ms Mearns brought forward the original motion, arguing that former transport policies had "encouraged car-use, accelerated climate change, and compounded poor health and inequality".

Damage to economy

Greens councillor Holly Bruce pointed out: "Glasgow is the only city in Europe with a motorway cutting through its centre."

SNP councillor Eva Bolander described the road as a "monstrosity" and voiced support for proposals to examine downgrading the Clydeside Expressway as a potential test case.

Mr Millar seconded the motion, adding: "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 council is aiming to reduce car kilometres by between 30% and 40% by 2030.

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".

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."