NEW parking restrictions are being looked at for two areas of the West End.

But residents are furious at the move and are threatening legal action.

City council roads bosses want to introduce tough new parking rules from Dowanhill, to Byres Road and streets in between.

Residents will be able to buy a year long parking permit for £50 with businesses charged £700.

Motorists using pay and display parking will be restricted to a maximum stay of three hours and will be charged 20p for the first 30 minutes then 20p for every 10 minutes afterwards. Restrictions will operate seven days a week from 8am until 10pm.

The city council said the new parking rules will stop people dumping their cars in the West End and travelling into the city centre.

But residents have taken legal advice and will consider going to court if the proposals are introduced.

Jean Charsley, secretary of Hillhead Community Council, says local people are unhappy that residents only bays are being scrapped and replaced with bays shared by householders and visitors to the area.

Ms Charsley said: "A lot of people in this area bought their homes because of the residents parking and five families are already moving out."

The community council has made a formal complaint to the council and has contacted a lawyer for legal advice.

A council spokesman said: "One of the problems leading to congestion in Glasgow is commuters coming into the city and using residential streets to park for long periods of time.

"The proposed parking controls aim to prevent the area from being used by commuters who leave their cars, using it as a free car park.

"We aim to protect both residential and short-stay business use parking as the current model can lead to businesses being hurt with customers unable to find parking spaces.

"Those wishing to visit Byres Road have very limited opportunities to find a parking space. Introducing parking controls would mean a turnover allowing increased access for shoppers."

An exhibition detailing the new restrictions is being held in Hillhead library on Thursday from 2pm to 8pm, on Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk