A PLAN to ban private cars from travelling into George Square under a major traffic shake-up has prompted fears of an impact on trade.

As revealed in yesterday's Evening Times, roads bosses plan to install a bus gate to bar private cars from Nelson Mandela Place and West George Street.

New traffic rules will cut the number of vehicles using the square by up to 70%.

Today, city businessman Alfredo Crolla, who owns Pizza Crolla at the corner of West George Street and Buchanan Street, slammed the plans.

He said: "The city council are not interested in the wellbeing of our business.

"We depend on the passing traffic and business is bad enough as it is, without any further disruption like this.

"I'm very against these plans, it will have a huge effect on our business."

In future, only buses, taxis, private hire cabs and cycles will be able to use the route.

Motorists are likely to be diverted up Hope Street, along Cowcaddens Road and down North Hanover Street.

Roads bosses also plan to ban all vehicles, except cycles, from the section of George Square in front of the City Chambers, with the existing road raised to the same level as the Square.

Mr Crolla, who also owns Dino's restaurant in Sauchiehall Street, added: "We depend on the passing traffic, especially later at the night.

"That's when all the parking spaces are empty, so customers will park up and pop in and out of the shop. It's like that all night.

"Also, I need to drive there to speak to my staff and make deliveries."

Bollards will be installed at each end of the street, which can be retracted to allow access for emergency services or VIPs visiting the City Chambers.

The direction of service vehicles in Buchanan Street will be reversed between Bath Street and Nelson Mandela Place and between St Vincent Street and Nelson Mandela Place.

Deputy chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Richard Muir said: "George Square is a hugely important civic space and we welcome measures aimed at improving the experience for visitors to the city centre.

"However, any traffic management measures undertaken by Glasgow City Council need to be part of a co-ordinated approach to city centre transport that promotes access for all modes including commercial vehicles and the private car.

"We continue to work with the city council on the development of the City Centre Strategy.

"Our response to the consultation draft identifies key projects of catalytic importance to ensure the success of the city centre, and the development of a co-ordinated transport strategy was included in these.

"The strategy must recognise the benefits of all modes of transport with the aim of growing the economy and driving footfall to the city centre – a planned review of city centre parking, its provision and cost, is also endorsed as an important feature."

Roads bosses say the changes will result in a cut in harmful traffic emissions and improve the environment for pedestrians. A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: "The proposed bus gate will promote easier flow of public transport."

The public has until September 13, to lodge any objections.

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk