Business leaders and motoring groups have stated their opposition to plans to scrap free Sunday parking in the city centre.

The Evening Times revealed that Glasgow City Council is proposing to end free parking and introduce seven days a week charging for on street parking.

The council said problems with congestion, lack of short term spaces and increased pollution were behind the change.But it has been claimed the move is more about raising income for the council than improving air quality.

The plan would see drivers pay £1 for 15 minutes with a two hour maximum stay. Parking on single yellow lines would also be banned on a Sunday.

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Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said public transport on a Sunday should be addressed before charging is introduced.

He said: “I suspect this proposal is not wholly about alleviating congestion or pollution, it’s budget-related and is more about raising cash.

“We understand the pressure the Council is under and this is one way of raising additional money, but not one we would support.

“Let’s sort out the issues with Sunday transport provision before we start charging for on-street parking. It has been well-recorded that the city centre is under pressure at this time, and the last thing it needs is further encouragement for shoppers to choose free parking alternatives at out of town centres.”

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A leading motoring group said the council should be looking at ways to encourage visitors in cars.

Neil Greig of the Institute for Advanced Motoring, IAM Roadsmart, said “This policy makes little sense to IAM RoadSmart.

“The very fact that the Council acknowledge the problems of unloading and loading shows that the City is a busy 24/7 economy these days and they should be trying to attract visitors and shoppers on a Sunday.

“The Council have to get the balance right and by introducing Sunday charges they are risking the success of the city.

“Parking is already a problem for local businesses and a more positive approach, such as further reducing off street charges, should be tried first to attract drivers rather than turning them away.”