BUSINESS leaders have expressed concerns over the impact plans to halt car use in some of the country's busiest streets will have on trade.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce criticised the language used in a report by the local authority, which seeks to overhaul traffic within the city centre including introducing more controversial 'bus gates.'
It was revealed yesterday how the council planned to close off two key routes to private vehicles and reduce by hundreds the number of on-street parking spaces.
The council also plans to narrow roads, increase footways and cycle lanes, pedestrianise more streets and turn a number of major thoroughfares into 'avenues'.
It is expected the overall amount of traffic would reduce by almost 10 per cent if the measures are all introduced.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stuart Patrick said the organisation welcomed much of the strategy but added: "We have concerns, which we have previously addressed to an extent in our submission to the city council, on moves being suggested to minimise the impact of private cars, in particular the language used in certain sections, such as traffic flows being managed to "discourage trips through the heart of the city centre" by making routes "less appealing" to drivers.
"We also need more detail on further bus gates and other traffic management proposals, and we're concerned there is no mention of a parking review.
"Glasgow city centre is unquestionably a key asset to the region and country - it is a hub for commerce and employment; education and research; retail and entertainment; and tourism and travel."
A bus gate was introduced in the city centre in June, leading to tens of thousands of motorists being fined and netting well in excess of £1.5 million for the authority.
At one stage almost 700 drivers a day were being snared.
But major bus operator First Glasgow welcomed the proposals, a spokeswoman stating: "Measures like bus gates not only reduce congestion and improve air quality but also help support bus operators in providing a smoother, quicker and stress-free means for our passengers to get from A to B.
"By investing in new vehicles, improving our services and continuing to roll out free wi-fi across the First Glasgow fleet, we are determined to make travelling by bus across the city and beyond the most attractive means of travel."
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