RESIDENTS in Glasgow's West End are fighting "cash cow" plans which will force residents to pay to park outside their own homes.

North Kelvin is one of the latest areas of the city where the council is considering a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) whereby drivers will be required to buy a parking permit costing £85 per vehicle.

Visitor permits for family and friends will also be required at a cost of £2 for six hours.

The council say the plan is intended to curb the number of drivers parking outside flats during the day who then access public transport links for work, which it said was leaving home owners without adequate access to spaces. It has said that additional funds raised will be “invested into road infrastructure.”

However, Grahame Cannell, who has launched a petition opposing the plan, believes it will have little impact on parking because most residents are at work during the day at the same time the bays are being used by drivers from outwith the area.

Read more: New Glasgow parking zones to tackle congestion across city 

Permits for residents and businesses, and street parking was first introduced by Glasgow City Council in 2016. Charges for permits were increased by 70 per cent last year, from £50 to £85 per annum.

Mr Cannell said his opposition to the plan is mainly based on the increase in cost for the permits.

He said: “The increase has been set to make up for budget shortcomings in other areas. This is a cashcow as opposed to a proposal to help residents."

His petition has provoked a mixed response in the area, ahead of a public consultation that will give home owners the chance to air their views.

Claire Kerr, said: “Maintenance of public roads is already paid for via council tax and income tax. Charging residents for permits is an additional unnecessary charge.”

Hamish Foster added: “I think there is a real danger of us having the worst of both worlds with the new restrictions - were we have to pay for a parking permit and still can’t find a space to park.”

Read more: Free Sunday parking ends as fees come into force in Glasgow City Centre

However, Alasdair MacDonald is among those who are supporting the plan.

He said: “As a resident, I see it as a proposal which will help me and all the rest of us. It is less than £100 per year, which can hardly be considered expensive.

“Undoubtedly, maintenance of roads is paid from council tax and income tax. However, roads are owned in common and people who have cars are using this space to store their own private property and, in doing so they are denying the use of this space to others.”

Diarmid McBride added: “Our block are in favour and any discussions I’ve had with any neighbours have all been positive. The sooner it comes in the better."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: "Unfortunately intrusive and obstructive parking is an issue for many communities across Glasgow and leads to many complaints being made to the council.

"Parking zones reduce commuter parking, increase the availability of residents’ parking, improve road safety and make access to previously congested streets much easier for emergency and cleansing services vehicles.”