Glasgow City Council, Scotland’s largest local authority, has announced plans to increase the number of controlled parking zones (CPZs) by 50% over the next two years as part of a significant clampdown on illegal and inconsiderate parking. The expansion will see strict parking controls introduced in a further twelve areas, requiring residents to obtain permits to park on their streets.
Currently, the city operates 24 restricted parking zones, but the new proposals will extend coverage to a range of popular residential districts, including Strathbungo, Shawlands, Langside, Pollokshields, Govanhill, Battlefield, Broomhill, Dennistoun, Sighthill, and Kirklee. The rollout is scheduled to continue through to 2026/27.
As part of the initiative, the council will recruit an additional 100 parking attendants to bolster enforcement efforts. More than 300 applications have already been received, with candidates currently being shortlisted. This increase in staffing is expected to support a sharp rise in enforcement activity, with the council already issuing hundreds of penalty charge notices for offences such as pavement parking, parking at dropped kerbs, and double parking. Fines for these offences can reach up to £100, though they are reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Recent data shows a marked increase in on-street inspections, rising from 37,605 in February to 43,622 in March. Enforcement at bus stops has also intensified, with 245 penalty charge notices issued in March alone-an 18% increase on the previous month.
In addition to expanding CPZs, the council is advancing plans for a carbon-based parking permit scheme, which would set permit prices according to a vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions and limit the number of permits per household. The council has already reduced the cost of these emissions-based permits, with the new scheme expected to launch in August.
Work is also underway to establish event day parking zones around the stadiums of Rangers and Celtic football clubs, aimed at protecting residential areas and improving enforcement during major events. The council is currently consulting with stakeholders, local councillors, and the football clubs to finalise these plans.
The expansion of controlled parking zones is part of a broader strategy to ease congestion, discourage private car commuting, and support the council’s environmental goals by reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport options.
