The decision to end free Sunday parking in the city centre and hike the charges could force more people away from the high streets affecting businesses and jobs, the council has been warned.

The Evening Times reported yesterday the price rise in the SNP administration’s budget for Glasgow City Council.

The budget, which was voted through this week, brings in Sunday parking charges in city centre streets where it was previously free.

It will raise an expected £400,000 a year for council coffers. The increase in parking charges will take the cost of parking in the city centre zone from £3 an hour to £4 an hour.

The changes do not affect the cost of parking in council owned city centre car parks operated by city Property.

The Council said that charges have been lower in Glasgow than in other cities while business leaders said they were “uneasy” about the impact further increases would have on the attractiveness of the city centre.

Stuart Patrick, Chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “ There is a general desire to encourage people onto public transport but we are still worried about he balance between the attractiveness of the city centre and the offer available elsewhere.

“So we are feeling uneasy about this increase.”

“If people have been in the habit of getting free parking on a Sunday then this might change their behaviour especially as public transport is less available on that day.

“If we are going to reduce the car access in the city centre then there has to be improvements in public realm and the overall environment.”

As well as raising income for the council to spend on services, it is understood that the moves are part of a shift in thinking that Glasgow city centre has been too car friendly in previous years.

The council set up the Connectivity Commission, chaired by Professor David Begg, a former adviser to the UK Government last year to investigate options for the city centre.

It will look at improving the city centre for businesses, citizens and visitors by addressing issues like congestion, pollution and public transport flow.

Business groups in the city centre are represented on the Commission.

Motoring groups said it will have an adverse effect on businesses if drivers chose to go somewhere cheaper to park.

Neil Greig, director of the Institute of Advanced Motoring, said: “Increased parking charges can only really be justified if the consumer is getting a better service for the extra prices they are being asked to pay.

“If Glasgow Council plan to offer more spaces, higher quality payment machines and new ways to pay then a rise could be acceptable.

“Without such additional services there is a risk that making parking ever more expensive will have a negative impact on the attractiveness of the city centre to shoppers and visitors.”

The council’s Land and Environmental Services department is responsible for thousands of car parking spaces in the city.

The charges are increasing from 60p for 12 minutes to £1 for 15 minutes taking it from £3 and hour to £4.

Even though the council thinks the level of on street parking might reduce as a result of the price hike it thinks income will increase in the short term with the increase.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council, said: “Parking charges in Glasgow, and in particular Glasgow city centre, have been considerably lower than many other towns and cities, during a period when most other forms of travel have become much more expensive.

“Encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport and active travel is a well-established aim of the city’s transport strategy.”

Here is what our readers think:

DRIVERS said the parking charges could mean fewer cars on the roads in the city centre.
Jane Wilkinson, 63, said she wasn’t able to use public transport.
She said: “I drive into Glasgow from Campbeltown so I wouldn’t really be able to use public transport instead. 
“I suppose if you live in the city centre it might encourage you to use more public transport.”
Twenty-two-year-old Stephen Paul said: “It’s probably a good thing as it’ll discourage people from using cars and get them to take more public transport. 
“It’s going to disproportionately hit the poorest. In that sense it’s not so good.” -
Robert Booth, 62, said people “aren’t going to be happy.”
He added: “It’s a bit much. Where I stay in East Kilbride it’s only about £1.20 for two hours of parking. 
“Most people are just going to start taking the train in.” 
Nineteen-year-old Sarah-Jane Wilkinson said: “If they maintained the payment system better I could see the point in doing it.  At the moment they’re quite inefficient. It’ll hopefully mean less traffic on the roads though.” 
And Gi San Tang, 29, said parking was already ‘too expensive.’ 
She added: “They’re charging us through the roof for parking and now they’re bringing in Sunday charges? Nobody’s going to come to town for shopping any more, they’re just going to go to Silverburn or Braehead.”   
However, 64-year-old Anthony Allan didn’t think it would make much difference.
He said: “I don’t think a small increase like that is going to make much change to people’s parking habits. The council will just increase their revenue.”