TRADERS on trendy Byres Road have warned they may have to move elsewhere if forced to buy £700 a year parking permits.

And they have raised concerns about the impact of new parking and loading restrictions being considered for the area. According to one businessman, the new permit scheme could put at risk a plan to fund improvements to the street.

The city council wants to introduce residents and business parking permits in the Byres Road area to stop commuters dumping their cars and travelling to work in the city centre by Subway.

But while traders agree there is a problem with long- term parking, they are unhappy at the solutions being proposed by the council.

Around 40 business bosses attended a meeting to discuss the new traffic rules.

Mark Tracey, chairman of Byres Road Traders Association, said:"Quite a lot of the businesses on Byres Road are already struggling with the rates we have to pay and cannot necessarily afford £700 for a permit, but for a lot of businesses it is absolutely necessary to have a car.

Firms are also unhappy that free parking on Byres Road will be replaced with pay-and-display and permit holder parking.

Mr Tracey, who owns Booly Mardy's in Vinnicombe Street, said: "That means deliveries for businesses are going to be an issue as there will be nowhere to park vans.

"As a result, delivery vans are going to have to park in the middle of the road."

Businesses are also unhappy the new restrictions will operate until 10pm seven nights a week, causing problems for staff in bars and restaurants who will have to move their cars every few hours.

Mr Tracey said: "Some businesses may decide to relocate to other areas where there are less restrictions."

Byres Road is considering following the lead of traders in Sauchiehall Street who have voted to set up a Business Improvement District (BID). That means they pay a levy which goes towards improvements in the area.

But BID project manager Eddie Roscoe feels forcing bosses to pay £700 for a parking permit on top of the levy could put the improvement plan at risk.

A city council spokesman said: "The proposals are designed to protect local residents and businesses.

"Introducing parking controls would mean a turnover allowing increased access for shoppers."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk