Fresh twist in plans for Glasgow congestion charge and Clyde Tunnel toll revealed
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DRIVERS could be hit with Clyde Tunnel toll and congestion charges under bombshell new plans being eyed by Glasgow City Council.
People who don't live in the city would be slapped with the fees – while locals could be spared – in a controversial bid to slash car use and boost greener travel.
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Drivers could be hit with Clyde Tunnel toll and congestion charges
Credit: John Gunion - The Sun Glasgow
The idea, backed by Transport Scotland, would see Glasgow take the wheel as a 'leading city' in a nationwide push to get drivers out of their motors.
The legal wheels on the plans won't start turning until after next May's Holyrood elections due to regulatory checks having to be made.
Councillor Angus Millar insisted there are 'no specific proposals' on the table for now – but admitted the city is 'interested' in tolls for non-residents using the Clyde Tunnel or entering the city.
He said: 'The council has no specific proposals to introduce any road user charging in Glasgow.
"However members will be aware that the council has repeatedly stated its interest in further exploring possibilities around a boundary congestion charge and potential tolling at the Clyde Tunnel – both with exemptions for Glasgow residents.'
The SNP councillor, who's in charge of transport and climate, added that Glasgow is in talks with Transport Scotland and COSLA about how to legally bring in such charges.
'Council officers continue to engage with Transport Scotland and Cosla particularly in relation to national commitments to reduce car vehicle mileage and the potential roll out of road user charging as a travel demand management tool.
'Transport Scotland has expressed interest in Glasgow and Edinburgh taking a lead role in exploring road user charging and we anticipate further discussions with City of Edinburgh Council in establishing their interest.'
Cllr Millar said the Scottish Government is now launching a legal and regulatory review to clear the way for councils to roll out the controversial charges.
He added: 'We welcome the recent commitment from Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to undertake legislative and regulatory review to establish how the process can be clarified for local authorities to take forward and this is a matter I have engaged with officials and other councils on via COSLA.'
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He added: 'We will engage in the coming legislative review to ensure Glasgow is well positioned to consider any developments.'
The plans were welcomed by Scottish Green councillor Blair Anderson, who claimed the scheme would help fund a 'publicly owned, reliable and free' bus system.
He said: "The only way we can meet our climate targets is moving people from cars to public transport.'
He added: 'A road user charging scheme would give us the money to make Glasgow's buses publicly owned, reliable, fast and free.'
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