A dispersal zone stretching across Glasgow city centre is set to be introduced from March as police and city officials seek to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.

From Friday, 20 March a temporary zone covering the area bounded by St Vincent Place, Glassford Street/Stockwell Street, to the far side of the riverbank, and York Street/West Campbell Street. Glasgow Central Station, St Enoch Square and Union Street all fall within the zone, having been identified as areas of particular concern.

Officers will now direct groups of two or more people to leave their area, should it be judged that their behaviour is impacting on the safety and wellbeing of others. Those directed to leave will not be permitted to return to the area for 24 hours.

Police Scotland say that the measures will be used proportionately and only when necessary and will take place alongside ongoing work with partners including Glasgow City Council, local businesses, and support services to provide reassurance and promote a safe and welcoming city centre for those who live, work and visit.

Superintendent Jackie Dunbar said: “This is a temporary measure being introduced alongside ongoing partnership activity to address behaviour that is having a negative impact on the city centre.

“We have listened to concerns from members of the public and local businesses about antisocial behaviour and disorder and this approach is about providing reassurance and promoting a safe and welcoming city centre.

“The vast majority of people who visit the city centre do so responsibly without causing any issues. This measure is about ensuring we can deal proportionately with those whose behaviour impacts others, and it will only be used when absolutely necessary.

“Our focus remains on working with partners and the community to reduce disruption and make sure the city centre is a place people can enjoy safely.”

A dispersal zone stretching across Glasgow city centre is set to be introduced from March as police and city seek to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.

placeholder image — A dispersal zone stretching across Glasgow city centre is set to be introduced from March as police and city seek to tackle antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.

The most recent Police Scotland data, which covers the period between April and June 2025 show that there were 915 “antisocial offences” in the Anderston/City/Yorkhill multi-member ward, which encompasses the dispersal zone. Almost 45% of those offences fell under the threatening or abusive behaviour classification.

Councillor Angus Millar, City Convener for City Centre Recovery, said: "Glasgow city centre is a safe place to be and a fantastic place to live, work and visit.

"With footfall across the city centre rising, it is important that the Police are able to use the powers at their disposal to address localised and persistent issues of antisocial behaviour caused by a very small minority of people.

“For its part, the Council in its Budget decisions this week agreed additional investment to expand CCTV security monitoring in the city centre, supporting Council officers and police colleagues to work together to respond to issues that may arise.

"The city centre is a massive asset for Glasgow that draws in almost 70million visitors each year for food and drink, shopping, entertainment, business and culture. We are committed to working closely with partners across the public and private sector including Police Scotland to ensure it continues to be a welcoming and attractive place for everyone."

Glasgow City Council announced yesterday that 24-hour CCTV monitoring will return to the city centre as part of a “recognition of changing crime patterns”. Budget constraints saw 24-hour monitoring scrapped in 2023 as the local authority faced a £50 million blackhole in its finances.