Glasgow City Council urged to offer more bus stops for tourists

A motion being presented to elected members this week by conservative councillor Thomas Kerr is asking the chief executive to explore replacement “set-down/pick up areas” for coach visitors while looking at what policy changes should take place to encourage more people to visit the city centre.

The local authority has been working to bring visitors into the city to enjoy attractions including museums, art galleries, music videos as well as Glasgow’s leisure and hospitality offerings.

The motion reads: “Council recognises that those who visit our city do so using a variety of transport methods including train, plane and coach.

“Council notes that due to its decision to close parts of George Square to traffic, many coach operators are no longer able to utilise the large parking spaces in front of the City Chambers as a set down and pick up area and, as a consequence of closing this area to traffic, there is no longer a similar area within the City Centre.

“Council notes its concern that the removal of this area, without a replacement, may be discouraging those using coaches and impact adversely on vital city centre footfall.”

The motion also asks council to recognise that many city centre retail, leisure and hospitality businesses are continuing to face significant business challenges and it is essential for the city centre economy – that all measures are taken to encourage visitors to come to Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s meeting, councillor Kerr said: “Glasgow’s SNP-led council must pull out all the stops to attract tourists to come to our city.

“The continued – and misguided – moves to stop traffic from entering parts of Glasgow are ultimately having a detrimental impact on our local economy.

“My motion seeks to change this and ensure those coach operators bringing people to explore all that we have to offer have a suitable place to pick-up passengers and set-down after travelling a long way. Our city centre businesses are struggling badly due to the global cost-of-living crisis and the after effects of the pandemic.

“They need a SNP council that is on their side and agreeing to seek a replacement area for operators would be a positive step in the right direction in supporting our economy.”

The SNP administration was approached for comment ahead of Thursday’s meeting.