Council bosses have been challenged to restrict parking charges in Glasgow when they are implemented on a Sunday.
It is claimed all-day parking fares will prevent Sunday morning worshippers attending services and Glasgow should follow in Edinburgh’s footsteps and only enforce fees from 1pm.
A reported, the local authority will introduce parking charges seven days a week in city centre bays and charge the same rate they do for Monday to Saturday.
This means parking will cost £1 for 15 mins or £4 an hour with a maximum stay of two hours.
The council claims this will prevent drivers parking over-night on a Saturday or all-day for free on a Sunday.
Warning to dog owners as razor blades found near Mugdock Country Park
However, concerns have also been raised that motorists constantly looking for an available space increases the air pollution in areas which already have poor air quality.
And congestion can cause problems for deliveries and good vehicles unloading.
People are also thought to be more likely to try and find a free space on the streets, or visit Braehead and Silverburn shopping centres, than pay a reduced Sunday rate in city centre car parks.
Proposals were discussed at the full council meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Ade Aibinu asked: “What consultation took place, including a cost benefit analysis, before agreeing to introduce Sunday city centre parking charges?”
He was informed that the community had their say earlier last month.
Councillor Anna Richardson said: “We held public consultation meetings from February 15 to March 8 this year and have taken the responses on board.
“There are a number of benefits for this proposal. We hope it will reduce all day parking on a Sunday and stop people from parking overnight on a Saturday.
“It will improve our air quality and free up parking spaces.”
Irn-Bru launches hilarious new 'ginger and proud' advert
Ms Richardson was asked if she would consider starting parking charges from 1pm on Sundays.
Councillor Kyle Thornton asked: “Would you take into account that many people rely on free parking on a Sunday morning to allow them to take part in leisure facilities or attend a place of worship?
“In Edinburgh they charge from 1pm on a Sunday. Could this be an option for Glasgow?”
Councillor Anna Richardson said: “The process is still ongoing and I’m not going to make any presumptions.
“That may be something we can take into account.”
Concerns were previously raised before the meeting that no parking attendants would be on patrol to enforce the Sunday parking charges.
A council spokesperson confirmed that parking enforcement staff are already on duty on a Sunday and double yellow lines will need to be observed.
