Glasgow City Council considering introducing parking permits for Southside

Residents and businesses in the southside of Glasgow could be forced to fork out for a parking permit under new proposals.

Following complaints to the council over parking problems, locals are to have their say on the potential rollout of permits in Shawlands for shared-use bays for residents, businesses, and visitors, alongside pay-and-display spaces for short-term stops.

Permits for residents could cost from £80 to £220 per year, depending on vehicle emissions.

There will also be spaces for disabled people, motorcycles, electric vehicles and Car Club vehicles.

Details of the Shawlands plans are available online, while information on the proposals for Battlefield and Strathbungo will be revealed over the course of the next week.

A council spokesman said: “As a local authority, we do not have an obligation to provide parking spaces for vehicles, but we are responsible for managing parking once it becomes an issue.

“The messages we receive from elected members, community council and residents are that parking in Shawlands, Battlefield, and Strathbungo can be a problem.

“Our own observations of parking in these areas confirms there is an issue that requires to be addressed.

“The introduction of parking zones in other parts of the city have proven to be successful. Better management of parking reduces the risk of obstructions and makes access to streets easier for emergency services vehicles and refuse lorries.

“Parking controls also help to make streets safer for other types of road users and can help to improve local environments.”

Residents can give feedback through an online survey. Drop-in sessions will also be held to allow people to provide detailed input on the proposals.

“All information gathered will then be considered as part of developing the plans that are put forward for a statutory consultation.”

The council said parking issues are putting “significant pressure” on the roads in Shawlands and other parts of the Southside and the “parking controls are intended to reduce congestion, improve traffic flows and manage limited road space as fairly as possible for road users.”

Among the benefits of such schemes, according to the council, are improved road safety for pedestrians and cyclists, increasing the turnover of short-stay spaces, the removal of long-term commuter parking and incentivising greater use of more sustainable transport options.

Residents in Shawlands have received a letter on the proposal, and letters will go out to Battlefield and Strathbungo residents from the start of next week (November 3).

To see the plans and take part in the online surveys visit: https://glasgow.gov.uk/proposedparkingcontrols

Plans will also be available to view within local libraries.