Council chiefs are to radically reduce the number of places motorists can stop or unload on East Renfrewshire roads.

The public consultation, which began last week, will involve Neilston, Eaglesham and Clarkston and ends on June 30.

Barrhead, Newton Mearns and Giffnock are expected to follow.

The aim is keep pedestrian crossings and bus stops free of parked vehicles and to encourage more people to walk and use public transport.

The council also want long-stay drivers to park on the outskirts of centres, leaving spaces free for short-term parking.

They claim this will stop motorists hogging parking spaces where there is a limited waiting time and enable more drivers to use them.

They also want to keep traffic flowing on main roads at peak time and stop drivers parking unsafely and blocking up lanes.

It’s expected the review will result in new restrictions on people stopping and unloading their vehicles across East Renfrewshire including van and lorry drivers.

The last time there was a similar review in Barrhead was in 2015, while this is the first one in Neilston.

East Renfrewshire Council insist that the latest review will simplify the current system.

A review of parking and loading places in Netherlee and Stamperland has been completed and the new measures will be in place in the next few months.

A council spokesperson added: “Our waiting and loading restrictions reviews aim to ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicular traffic and the safety of all road users including pedestrians.

“It helps us manage and control inconsiderate or dangerous parking taking place where it would be inappropriate to do so, such as near schools, busy road junctions or narrow roads.

“Restrictions will continue to be assessed for suitability, and the introduction of appropriate new or amended restrictions will be considered on an ongoing basis.”