SNP-led council back Greens M8 restriction plan
THE M8 motorway is one of the busiest and most important routes in Glasgow, connecting the city to Edinburgh and beyond. But for years, the motorway has been a source of controversy, with concerns about noise pollution, poor air quality, and traffic congestion.
Now, there are renewed calls to improve the impact of the M8 on the city centre, with local politicians urging the Scottish government to help as the council motions are underway.
Angus Millar, the SNP Glasgow Transport convener, has called for engagement with the Scottish government to find ways to reduce the impact of the M8 on the city centre. “We need to look at short, medium, and long-term solutions to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and potentially transform that stretch of road into something more suitable for a city centre,” he said.
Christy Mearns, the Greens transport spokesperson for Glasgow council, agreed. “We need to look at how we can make the M8 better so that it serves people and improves health and well-being,” she said. “We need to consider a lower speed limit to address noise pollution and air quality, but we also need to look at the longer-term picture.”
READ MORE: 1000 potential job cuts for Glasgow taxi drivers due to Low Emission Zone
Both politicians acknowledged that they had not yet looked at the details of what could be done. But they were aware of cities around the world that had transformed their urban motorways into something healthier and better for people. They hoped that Glasgow could follow suit.
However, not everyone is convinced. The Tory party has criticised the motion put forward by Glasgow City Council, arguing that it is unclear what the councillors are hoping to achieve.
“We can’t get rid of the M8,” Graham Simpson MSP, the Tories’ shadow minister of transport said. “We need to focus on improving public transport, getting people out of their cars, and onto trains and buses.”
Despite the opposition, Millar and Mearns remain committed to finding a solution. They believe that by working together and engaging with the Scottish government, they can find a way to make Glasgow a healthier, happier, and more livable city for all.
Calling for action, Councillor Mearns said: “The M8 motorway has, of course, brought benefits since its introduction in the 1960s, however, it has also entrenched car use in and around Glasgow, caused physical harm to the communities in its path, and undermined vital targets to reduce vehicle journeys and emissions, as well as air pollution and poor health.
“Alongside better, more coordinated, and affordable, public transport, it is essential that a future and alternative vision for the M8 is developed, not least given the eye-watering public cost of maintaining it as it is.
Mearns added: “To do this, we need Transport Scotland to agree to a joint piece of work with Glasgow City Council, and we would like immediate actions to be explored which could lower air and noise pollution in the short-term. Other cities have seen transformations from incrementally downgrading or replacing their motorways and we should be urgently exploring it too.”
If it keeps the classification of a motorway, it would be the slowest in the world. The only other country close to it would be Canada with 35mph.
Are you prepared for LEZ?
Drivers with petrol cars registered before 2006 could be banned from driving in Glasgow’s city centre – under the new Low Emission Zone.
The law comes in on June 1, with motorists whose vehicles don’t meet the emission requirements facing a £60 penalty on their first offence.
Petrol cars must comply with Euro 4 standards, while diesel vehicles must be registered after 2015 to meet the Euro 6 rules.
Glasgow Scottish Green Party Councillor, Christy Mearns – speaking exclusively to the Glasgow Standard – said: “It wouldn’t be right to further delay Glasgow’s low emission zone; it’s been in the pipeline for six years and only affects the dirtiest vehicles.
“Our absolute priority must be the health of our citizens, particularly children who are worst affected by air pollution as well as improving public transport.”
Opponents of the scheme say it unfairly targets those on the lowest incomes.
Laura O’Neill commutes into Glasgow by car, She said: “I’ve got an old car as a student it’s all I can afford.
“I understand the positives behind introducing the emissions zone, but it negatively impacts me because driving in is a much safer option, especially at night when there is limited public transport.”
The policy aims to tackle air pollution and move to a pedestrian-friendly city centre, mirroring places in Germany and the Netherlands.
The zone encompasses the heart of Glasgow – with the eastern boundary starting from the M8 at the Royal Infirmary and down Castle Street, High Street, and Saltmarket to the River Clyde.
The western boundary is the M8 from Charing Cross down to the river beneath the Kingston Bridge – The M8 itself is not part of the LEZ.
Phase one of the LEZ was introduced in 2018, applying to local service buses.
By 2024 vehicles registered to residential property within the zone will also have to meet the requirements.
Automobiles such as ambulances, vehicles for disabled people, and motorbikes are exempt.
