Residents of Dennistoun, a neighbourhood in Glasgow’s East End, have expressed strong opposition to proposed parking permit fees during a recent demonstration at the City Chambers. The plans involve introducing parking charges that could exceed £200 annually for some residents, alongside potential alterations to one-way systems. The local community argues that these measures amount to a “tax on the poor,” disproportionately impacting lower-income families who rely on cars for transportation.
The protest culminated in residents occupying the reception area of Glasgow City Council’s headquarters, where they urged the local authority to prioritize investment in public transport solutions instead. According to the demonstrators, the proposed parking charges will primarily affect those who can least afford them.
Susan Carden, a member of the advocacy group Living Rent and a Dennistoun resident, voiced her concerns during the protest. “These parking charges will hit the poorest the hardest. Glasgow City Council needs to stop balancing its budget on the backs of its residents,” she stated. Carden emphasized that if the council genuinely aimed to reduce carbon emissions and improve public health, it should focus on creating a publicly owned, affordable transport system rather than imposing financial burdens on car users.
Residents confronted Kevin Argue, a council representative, with their grievances regarding the negative implications of the new charges. Carden added, “This is not a policy designed to reduce the number of cars, and it will do nothing for half the city without a car. These parking charges are set out to make money for the city and the private company RingGo.”
In response to the protests, Glasgow City Council stated that the revenue generated from the proposed parking scheme would be allocated towards the operational costs and support for other roads and transportation projects. A spokesperson for the council noted, “Problems with parking in Dennistoun have been raised regularly over many years, and we have engaged with the community on the issue over time.”
The council acknowledged that Dennistoun attracts significant commuter traffic to local health and business facilities. This influx has contributed to ongoing parking complaints from residents, with over 3,500 fines issued in the past two years for violations of existing parking regulations.
The spokesperson continued, “Our parking attendants regularly visit the area and have issued over 3,500 fines over the past two years for breaches of existing parking restrictions. The council has a duty to manage problem parking, and the proposals currently open for public consultation will help to ensure road space in Dennistoun is better managed in the future.”
The council argues that implementing on-street parking controls will alleviate congestion, enhance road safety for all users, and ensure fair access to limited parking spaces for residents, businesses, and visitors. Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that parking schemes facilitate a turnover of spaces for pay-as-you-go drivers while allowing easier access for emergency and cleansing service vehicles.
As the consultation on the proposed changes remains open until January 23, 2024, the council encourages community feedback to shape future parking management strategies in the area. While residents remain steadfast in their opposition, the council insists that the plans aim to promote more sustainable transport options and better road space management for Dennistoun.
