NEW rules mean drivers will be fined for parking in cycle lanes.

The scheme is being introduced to make cycling safer and encourage more motorists onto two wheels.

A range of measures are planned for the Colleges Cycle Route, which stretches from Strathclyde University's city centre campus to its campus at Jordanhill - a distance of more than four miles.

The route serves about 45,000 students and 10,000 staff as well as the general public.

At present there are problems with van drivers and motorists parking on marked cycle lanes forcing cyclists to veer out into traffic.

In a bid to solve the problem, the city council has drawn up a traffic order which means it can fine anyone who parks in cycle lanes.

It also plans to improve safety by widening the lanes from 1m to 1.5m and by introducing new bike lanes in Jordanhill.

In Clarence Drive, parking spaces will be removed to allow cycle lanes to be created and along the cycle route there will be restrictions banning waiting and loading.

Alistair Watson, the council's transport spokesman said: "We are fully committed to making the city's roads safer and encouraging more people to cycle.

"The Colleges Cycle Route is another step in making this happen and further builds on our ambition of making cycling the largest participation activity in the city by 2020.

"Over the last five years we have invested almost £14million in sustainable transport.

"In addition, we have allocated road space over to segregated cycle routes on London Road and the Kelvingrove to City Centre project."

Meanwhile, a new report has called for travel hubs across the country to provide a better range of services for cyclists, including bike hire, bike repair or advice on cycle routes.

It has been prepared by Transform Scotland, a group which brings together rail, bus and ferry operators, local authorities, environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups.

The organisation analysed 19 bus stations in 10 towns and cities across Scotland, including Glasgow.

John Lauder, national director of Sustrans Scotland, said: "It is essential we do as much as possible to encourage and enable people to cycle for more of their everyday journeys."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk