You may have seen on social media that Glasgow City Council is considering introducing residents parking restrictions and permits in Battlefield. While only a tiny bit of the area is in Mount Florida, the community council submitted a response as it is likely the changes will impact Mount Florida. There is reference to more proposals being introduced in 2026/27 in Langside, which may include us though this isn’t clear. All the information is available at Glasgow Transport Strategy – Glasgow City Council
Our response is below
Although this consultation is centred on Battlefield, the proposed introduction of residents’ parking permits directly affects part of the Mount Florida boundary. More importantly, residents and businesses in Mount Florida will be affected by any parking changes implemented in Battlefield, particularly through displacement and changes in enforcement patterns.
We are aware that your transport strategy aims to reduce the number of miles travelled within the city boundary by 30% by 2030 and recognise that significant consultation has been undertaken in developing this. The GTS Policy Framework identifies “Supporting more people in the city and the region to travel by public transport by creating a world class, integrated system” as a core priority; and “Developing more affordable sustainable transport choices with integrated ways to pay” and “Creating a barrier-free transport system that supports those with disabilities or who have additional mobility needs” as policies and actions required to implement a sustainable transport future in the city.
However, as your 2024 Monitoring report states “Satisfaction with public transport has declined considerably, though more people are using the bus as their main mode.” While many would be happy to use a car less, much further progress toward “creating a world class, integrated system” is required to realistically allow this.
Although some parts of Mount Florida have reasonable bus connections, this cannot be said for the whole area and reliability remains poor. Rail access is constrained: Mount Florida station has only one accessible entrance at its north end, and neither Cathcart nor Kings Park stations are accessible. These factors were identified in the Mount Florida Place Plan, validated by Glasgow City Council earlier this year. Unlike the West End, we have no access to the Underground network. Services are infrequent outside peak hours, meaning those working irregular or late hours rely on a car out of necessity.
Parking Capacity, Displacement and Enforcement
The Battlefield proposals appear to reduce the number of available parking spaces. It is unrealistic to assume that vehicles currently using these spaces will simply disappear. The likely outcome is further displacement into Mount Florida, where parking enforcement is already inconsistent, including on Hampden event days. This risks more illegally and dangerously parked vehicles, breaching sightlines at junctions, and worsening the difficulties residents already face in finding nearby parking.
ASK: We request that the Council publish their modelling on expected displacement and outline proposed mitigation measures if overspill significantly affects Mount Florida.
Lessons from Other Schemes
Experience from other Scottish controlled parking zones—including those implemented by GCC in Merchant City—shows that insufficient displacement modelling, inconsistent enforcement, and lack of early review mechanisms can undermine public confidence and require costly later adjustments. Evidence from Edinburgh and Aberdeen also highlights that simpler, well-communicated rules and strong early enforcement are essential to achieving the intended benefits without creating additional pressure on neighbouring communities.
Hampden Event Dynamics
Football matches, concerts and large gatherings at Hampden Park routinely overwhelm local capacity and reshape parking patterns far beyond the current event-day restrictions. Enforcement is patchy, and unsafe parking is common during major events. Any Battlefield parking scheme must be designed in full recognition of this unique dynamic.
ASK: We therefore request
- detailed modelling of how event-day pressures will interact with Battlefield controls
- clear alignment of enforcement rules and signage with Hampden event restrictions
- improved enforcement on event days to address illegal and unsafe parking
- clarity on how resident and visitor permits will operate during events
Issues Requiring Reconsideration
To support the aims of the scheme and minimise unintended consequences, the following points require revision:
- Joined-up systems thinking: The interplay between public and private transport must be considered more holistically, and communicated explicitly, to avoid negative impacts created by delivering these proposals in isolation.
- Vehicle size: A vehicle’s emissions do not affect the amount of space it takes on a road. Very large electric vehicles or transit-size vans can take up the space of two small cars; this needs to be factored into design and capacity assumptions.
- Enforcement hours: The proposed enforcement period of 08:00–22:00 is excessive if the intention is primarily to benefit residents. We request that enforcement ends at 18:00, by which time most commuter traffic has left.
- Permit costs: The proposed costs of permits are significant at a time of a ‘cost of living crisis’, for residents, visitors and businesses. Residents pay Council Tax and businesses pay rates. Any additional financial burden must be clearly justified and proportionate.
- Carer access: Many households rely on informal carers, paid carers or support workers. We request clear exemptions or low-cost arrangements for carers, with simple processes for both digital and non-digital users.
- Garden paving and flooding risk: People with gardens may be incentivised to convert them into private parking to avoid permit costs, exacerbating water run-off and flooding in extreme weather events. We request that this environmental impact be assessed and mitigated.
Mount Florida Community Council supports efforts to create a more sustainable and well-managed transport system. However, the success of any Battlefield scheme depends on coherent planning across neighbourhood boundaries, realistic alternatives to car travel, and fair, practical arrangements for residents, carers and businesses.
We ask the Council to address the issues and requests outlined above before implementation and to work collaboratively with both Battlefield and Mount Florida communities to ensure that changes improve, rather than undermine, quality of life in our area.
We look forward to your response.
