PLANS to treble the price of parking in a busy Glasgow street have today been blasted by the public.

The Evening Times revealed council bosses are to increase the price of parking for an hour in Great Western Road by more than 160%.

The rate for parking on the West End street will rocket from 30p an hour to 80p from Thursday.

Currently, it costs 10p for 30 minutes parking in Great Western Road, with drivers paying 30p for an hour, 50p for 90 minutes and £1 for two hours.

Council bosses have defended the price hike, but shoppers said the increase would damage local businesses.

Bank worker Jacqui Heron, who lives in the West End, believes shops in the area will "suffer".

The 49-year-old said: "Everybody talks about shopping locally and supporting the shops. But if they want to support independent boutiques they should turn it around so people pay at night and not through the day."

Meanwhile, Derek Laing, 33, also from the West End, said: "Parking round here is a nightmare. It is fine during the day but in the evenings and at weekends it is a nightmare, I choose to leave the car at home.

"I think the rise is far too much. It is a little irritating but it comes as no surprise, it just adds to all the others costs that are going up."

As revealed by the Evening Times, this is the latest in a series of price hikes across the city, with thousands of motorists being affected.

In September, the cost of parking in some Glasgow's streets was increased by 100%.

Lynne Cruickshank, 47, from East Kilbride, said: "It is going to affect local businesses and bars especially.

"I personally wouldn't drive in for something to eat because of the parking, whereas before I would have."

Neil Cruickshank, 54, also from East Kilbride, added: "It is unfair for local shops.They have done it in Shawlands as well and I think it is not fair on the small shops."

Jamie MacBraye, 41, an electronic engineer from the West End, said: "It's a waste of energy getting annoyed with the council because I don't think there is anything that can be done about it."

Declan Healy believes the hike will have a knock-on effect for local residents like him. The 29-year-old marine engineer, said: "People will just park where they know its free, which is in neighbouring streets where I stay.

"I think it's a money making scheme. They have been told they need to make a certain amount of money. I am not very happy about it."

The latest figures reveal that on-street parking charges have generated an average daily income for Glasgow City Council of £23,826.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "Parking charges in many areas of Glasgow have not increased for a number of years. These controls exist to support the city's transport network.

"They balance the need to protect residents and businesses from all-day commuter parking and maintain availability of short-term parking.

"All revenue is reinvested in Glasgow's transport network, including maintaining parking infrastructure and enforcing controls.

"Without these charges, these costs would fall to the city tax payers."

rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk