Item 9

Glasgow City Council

5th February 2014

Executive Committee
Report by Councillor Alistair Watson, Executive Member for
Sustainability and Transport
Contact: Brian Devlin Ext: 79100

CITY CENTRE TRANSPORT STRATEGY

Purpose of Report:
The purpose of this report is to inform Committee of the public consultation
process undertaken on the draft City Centre Transport Strategy and the contents
of the final draft strategy and to seek approval of the City Centre Transport
Strategy.

Recommendations:
It is recommended that Committee notes the content of this report and approves
the City Centre Transport Strategy.

Ward No(s): 10
Local member(s) advised: Yes

Citywide:
No

consulted: Yes

No

1.

Background
LES has developed a Transport Strategy for the city centre. This is a key
aspect in the delivery of Glasgows City Centre Strategy and Action Plan
which was launched in November 2013. The strategy has been developed
following the methodology set out in the Scottish Transport Appraisal
Guidance (STAG). This is an objective led approach which aids in developing
a balanced strategy.
The final City Centre Transport Strategy was presented to the Sustainability
and the Environment Policy and Development Committee on 26 November
2014 where it was recommended that the Strategy was presented to the
Executive Committee for approval. This report contains some minor updates
including some initial findings from the Strategic Parking Review.

2.

Consultation Feedback
A full public consultation on a draft strategy took place during May 2014. Links
to the draft Transport Strategy were placed on the Councils website and an
online form was provided which allowed electronic feedback. Press adverts
publicising the consultation were placed in a number of newspapers and all
groups that had been previously involved in the development of the draft
strategy were notified.
In addition, during the consultation period, meetings were held with a number
of key stakeholders including the Chamber of Commerce and SPT.
Around 160 responses were received with 104 from members of the public
and the remainder on behalf of stakeholder organisations. In addition 335
standard responses were received as a result of a campaign from Friends of
the Earth.
Some key points from the feedback received are summarised below:General / Objectives
The feedback received indicated broad agreement with the principles of
the Strategy.
There was wide ranging support for the concept of Avenues with some
support for extending this concept to other streets within the city centre.
Business / Resident Access
Importance of access being maintained for servicing city centre
businesses and residents was highlighted.
Importance of ensuring that the appeal of the city centre to those who
chose to travel by car is not reduced.

Cycling
The proposal for an increase in cycle routes was broadly supported.
Importance of linking city centre routes to existing cycle routes outwith the
city centre was emphasised.
Routes segregated from traffic were generally supported, however there
were some concerns raised on the effect the implementation of these
routes would have on bus operations within the City Centre
Bus Operations
There was general support for an improvement to bus operations at Union
Street. There were however mixed opinions as to how this should be
achieved. Both SPT and the major bus company operating on the route
would support a bus hub with widened footways, shelters etc. However
some concerns were expressed that this would not fit in with the built
environment and cause severance for pedestrians trying to cross Union
Street.
The option of introducing a bus hub at Stockwell Place in order to
encourage fewer buses to travel through the City Centre was not
supported by the largest bus operator in the City Centre. The St Enoch
Centre also expressed concerns due to their aspirations for expansion.
A number of traffic management options were suggested in the draft report
to provide alternative economically viable routes for buses within the City
Centre, with the aim of reducing the high number of buses travelling down
the Renfield/Union Street corridor. However feedback from the largest bus
operator was that they would prefer to continue to utilise the Renfield /
Union Street corridor as the main north to south route through the City
Centre.
The majority of respondents were opposed to running buses on the
pedestrianised section of Argyle Street.
Other Traffic Management Measures / Parking
There was general support for the introduction of a 20mph limit within the
City Centre.
There was a mixed response to the further pedestrianisation of Argyle
Street and Queen Street with some highlighting the potential
improvements in the pedestrian environment while others were concerned
that buses would have to reroute to Howard Street and the extra walking
distances involved.

Air Pollution
Concerns were expressed that the strategy did not fully tackle issues
regarding air pollution. The strategy was subsequently strengthened in
this area to include a section covering the expansion of electric vehicle
charging points, a feasibility study into a Low Emission Zone and
highlighting the emphasis on active travel.
3.

Final Draft Strategy

The draft strategy has now been amended taking on board the comments
received and an updated final strategy is available for viewing in the Members
Library. The document is also available on the Councils website.
The final strategy is proportionate to the issues raised and aims to achieve a
balanced solution taking account the conflicting aspirations within the City
Centre. It aims to create a place where people want to come and spend time
in that is easily accessible. It also recognises the different roles of the City
Centre in meeting the needs of the daytime and night-time economies.
Key actions contained in the strategy include:
Facilitate the introduction of the Avenues concept on a number of streets
commencing with Sauchiehall Street. This may include measures such as
the widening of footways and introduction of cycle facilities.
Implement a series of cycle routes through the city centre mainly
segregated from traffic
Restrict traffic access to Gordon Street between Renfield Street and West
Nile Street
Investigate the implementation of a 20mph zone in the City Centre
Undertake a review of loading and servicing facilities
Undertake a review of disabled parking provision
Undertake a strategic review of parking facilities. This has commenced as
an early action and initial findings include that the existing supply of offstreet parking is sufficient and that the strongest influences when choosing
a car park are security, location and cost.
Review and improve signing and information provision
Promote the introduction of bus gates or other measures to assist other
bus movements on the main north / south bus routes through the City
Centre on Renfield Street and Oswald Street

Investigate the introduction of infrastructure improvements on Union Street

to facilitate bus operations and improve the pedestrian environment
Review bus stops and usage throughout the city centre and in particular
on the Renfield Street / Union Street corridor
Consider ways to introduce a Low Emissions Zone within an emerging
national framework.
4.

Way Forward
The Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis as funding becomes
available.

5.

Policy and Resource Implications

Resource Implications:
Financial:

Funding for the development of a City Centre

Transportation Strategy has been approved.
Implementation of strategy is dependent on
available funding and external funding sources
including City Deal, SPT, Sustrans, etc.

Legal:

None.

Personnel:

None.

Procurement:

Not at this stage.

Council Strategic Plan:

The City Centre Transport Strategy supports

priorities 1 and 3 of the Councils Strategic Plan
2012 to 2017.

Equality Impacts:
EQIA carried out:

Yes.

Outcome:

Final report to be completed to identify findings.

Sustainability Impacts:
Environmental:

The strategy will promote the use of public

transport, cycling and walking, reducing harmful
traffic emissions and assisting in meeting the
Councils carbon reduction objectives.

6.

Social:

Enhanced public transport, cycling and walking

infrastructure will promote social, health and wellbeing benefits.

Economic:

The strategy will contribute to the City Centres

continued economic vibrancy.

Recommendations
It is recommended that Committee notes the content of this report and
approves the City Centre Transport Strategy.

BRIAN DEVLIN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LAND & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
5 February 2015