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Update on plan for congestion charge on motorists in Glasgow

Update on plan for congestion charge on motorists in Glasgow

Glasgow Times3 days ago
This month, councillors are being asked to approve recommendations that will abandon plans to bring in a workplace parking tax, that would have raised more than £8million pounds a year.
Instead, officials believe other measures to charge motorists will be more effective, raising more money and having a greater impact on congestion.
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Plans being looked at include a congestion charge imposed on people coming into the city from other areas. It would apply to residents in neighbouring areas like East and West Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, North and South Lanarkshire, as well as anywhere else in Scotland.
Charges would be imposed on drivers entering the city boundaries, but Glasgow residents would be exempt.
In a report to councillors, George Gillespie, director of said: 'While the Council does not intend to progress a Workplace Parking Licensing scheme at this time, officers will now direct resources to the exploration of alternative potential initiatives utilising local road user charging powers.'
The scheme to charge people £500 a year for a parking space at work was investigated but was decided against.
The council said there was limited appetite for it among the public and leading organisations in the business community were opposed.
Mr Gillespie added: 'While a WPL scheme has the potential to encourage modal shift and generate relatively modest revenues to support sustainable transport interventions, it is considered that alternative options such as initiatives utilising local road user charging powers may prove more impactful in achieving these aims. '
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A plan to charge motorists to use the Clyde Tunnel will also be looked at.
While many journeys that use the Clyde Tunnel either start or end outside the city, it is Glasgow City Council that is responsible for maintenance costs as it is not considered a national trunk road, unlike motorways.
The plan for the tunnel has been mentioned before to only apply to users from outside the city.
It could mean someone travelling from East Dunbartonshire, for example, could be charged to enter the city at the boundary and again if they use the Clyde Tunnel.
Ricky Bell, City Treasurer, has been a supporter of the council raising cash through schemes like a congestion charge and visitor levy.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, however, which opposed the workplace parking levy has warned it could be counter productive and deter people from coming to the city.
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