UPDATE: Glasgow City Council has announced plans for new parking restrictions on match days at Celtic Park and Ibrox, set to take effect by August 2026, as officials ramp up discussions with local communities. These event day parking (EDP) measures aim to manage traffic and improve access during major football events.
The council’s initiative comes as part of a broader update on the Glasgow transport strategy, discussed in a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Councillor Kieran Turner highlighted the urgent need for effective parking solutions, particularly with significant matches scheduled, such as the one at Hampden Park that night.
Currently, parking restrictions will be enforced in designated zones around the stadiums to alleviate congestion. Residents and businesses within these zones can apply for special permits, while non-permit holders will face restrictions or prohibitions on match days.
Officials stated, “There have been several attempts over the last 13 years to implement event day parking at Celtic Park and Ibrox. We are now revisiting this proposal and engaging with the football clubs to identify challenges and gather community input.”
As the discussions progress, the council aims to address past concerns about parking displacement, ensuring that fans do not simply shift the parking issue further away from the stadiums. Turner expressed the importance of considering alternative transport solutions, such as park-and-ride facilities and partnerships with bus operators.
“We want to avoid a situation where the parking problem just moves further away from the stadium,” Turner emphasized. “It’s crucial to work on travel planning for match days to find effective solutions that benefit local communities.”
The council plans to continue consultations in the coming year, with a focus on implementing the new parking measures by the start of the next football season. The community’s feedback will be vital in shaping these proposals, ensuring that the needs of local residents are prioritized alongside those of the football fans.
This urgent update underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Glasgow’s football community and the local residents who live nearby. With the new restrictions on the horizon, stakeholders will be keenly watching how these developments unfold and impact the vibrant culture surrounding match days.
As discussions continue, fans and residents alike are encouraged to engage in the dialogue to ensure a balanced approach to parking solutions in Glasgow’s sports venues.
