GLASGOW needs a transport summit to recognise and deal with the city's congestion problems, according to a city MSP.

GLASGOW needs a transport summit to recognise and deal with the city's congestion problems, according to a city MSP.

SNP MSP Sandra White is a calling on all major transport operators and agencies to get together to ensure a better integrated public transport and flowing road system is in place.

Ms White challenged Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson to organise such a meeting, but the minister refused to commit, instead saying all the major organisations have their own plans in place for transport and already worked together.

Ms White is now gathering her own responses from transport groups and constituents over the summer to present to Mr Stevenson, with a request he calls a summit.

Earlier this month Culture Minister Michael Russell convened a museums summit to hear the views of museum directors from across the country.

Ms White wants a similar type of event for transport, focusing on Glasgow and involving groups such as SPT, First Bus, First ScotRail, Transport Scotland, and other bus operators to share their thoughts in a bid to create a more concerted approach to transport.

Areas she has highlighted include pollution and congestion.

Ms White said: "The minister said bodies like Transport Scotland and the city council are already working together, but it is not moving forward the way the public want.

In Glasgow the city centre is gridlocked between 4pm and 6pm, when you can have 25 or more buses nose to tail in Renfield and Union Street.

"It is not conducive to a 21st century city."

Mr Stevenson said he would be prepared to discuss the matter with Ms White.

She hopes to gather enough evidence to convince him a top-level meeting is needed.

One idea she wants to see considered is removing buses from the city centre streets like Hope Street, Renfield Street, Union Street and around George Square.

She added: "Satellite bus stations like we used to have are an option. Stations in the north, south-east and west of the city centre to avoid buses criss-crossing the busy streets would provide benefits.

"It would reduce pollution and create a healthier and safer environment for the people that live and work in and visit Glasgow."

"Parliament has just passed the Climate Change Bill, but we expect people to breathe in these noxious fumes on a daily basis."