INCONSIDERATE drivers have been slammed for parking on a newly opened cycle lane in Glasgow’s city centre.

A number of drivers were pictured parked on areas designated for cyclists as part of the Sauchiehall Street Avenue Project over the weekend.

The £7.2 million redevelopment of the street has seen the creation of a multifunctional service verge, two-way cycle lane on the north side of the street and wider pavements to make way for alfresco eating and drinking.

New bus shelters, cycle stands, seating and improved street lighting have been installed on the street to make it more pedestrian friendly.

However, the changes have caused confusion for some drivers who appear to have mounted the kerb to gain access to the cycle lane.

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Council bosses have deemed the behaviour illegal and have warned that drivers will face enforcement penalties for doing so if caught.

The Avenue stretches from Sauchiehall Street between Charing Cross and Rose Street, and includes four streets to the south between Elmbank Street and Douglas Street.

Despite being delayed by the Glasgow School of Art fire, the project is on track to be completed by the end of May.

Work began in January, last year, and has brought with it a number of road closures and significant changes for businesses and residents.

Cycling campaigners said more awareness of the lanes need to be put in place across the city.

Space for People Alexandra Parade commented: “Issues like this are far more frequent at weekends.

“Perhaps to do with the number of people who live outside city, who are used to parking all over pavements arriving in on Saturday or Sunday.

“Some kind of City access charge could help on weekends.”

A council spokesman said: “The actions of these drivers in illegally parking on this cycle lane was very disappointing, and drivers should know that they face enforcement penalties by doing this. Very shortly, it will be impossible for such illegal parking to take place on Sauchiehall Avenue as street furniture will be installed that will prohibit cars accessing the two-way cycle lane in this way.”

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Friends of the Earth Scotland’s Air Pollution Campaigner, Gavin Thomson, said: “Increasing the levels of cycling in Glasgow is vital if the city is to tackle its chronic air pollution problem. Segregated, safe cycle lanes that are properly enforced are essential to encouraging more people onto bikes, and away from cars.

“Glasgow City Council’s Avenues project shows great promise in achieving these aims. It must be clearly communicated to all road users that streets in Glasgow city centre are changing, and parking on bike lanes is unacceptable.

“Cities should be doing all they can to make it safe and comfortable to walk and cycle, and begin to end the stranglehold of cars on our streets.”