PARKING wardens could strike over plans to introduce Sunday parking charges in Glasgow city centre.

Union bosses have launched a consultative ballot with City Parking staff to glean their views on an "unworkable" policy.

GMB Scotland said workers for the arm's-length council company will have to work more Sunday shifts.

Rhea Wolfson, a GMB Scotland Organiser, said: "The charge is due to come into force this Sunday but council have no signage in place for public awareness and no staff to enforce it – the process has been a shambles.

"Our members are clear that they will not be bulldozed into increased Sunday working by council imposition nor will they attempt to enforce new charges without the proper infrastructure in place.

"That’s why we are undertaking a consultative ballot and unless the council engages meaningfully with our members over any changes to their terms and conditions then they run the risk of industrial action in the service."

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New rules are due to be introduced this Sunday, June 30 bringing parking charges into line with standard Monday to Saturday parking, meaning drivers will be asked to pay £1 for every fifteen minutes.

However, the council's attempts to impose Sunday working changes on staff in the City Parking ALEO from one in eight weeks to one in six weeks has triggered the consultative ballot of GMB members to gauge support for industrial action against the plan.

The ballot will run until Monday, July 1 and union bosses said it already has overwhelming support from membership.

Ms Wolfson added: "There is little public or business support for these charges and there is anger among City Parking staff over how the council plan to deliver enforcement.

"Quite clearly, this plan is unworkable and the council needs to think again."

Council bosses hope people will choose to switch to public transport or use one of the council run city centre car parks instead of parking on the street.

But, with out of town malls having free parking, business leaders worry that it will give customers another reason to avoid coming in to the city.

The ambition is for the change to reduce congestion with fewer people driving into the city centre and for those who do more spaces available as they will not be occupied all day by one car.

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The council said it make it easier to find an on-street parking space for the purpose of shopping, leisure, tourism, business and disabled access.

There is a maximum stay of two hours intended to free up spaces throughout the day.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We have not been formally notified of the intention to hold this ballot, as is required.

“Parking attendants already undertake enforcement action on a Sunday and so what we are proposing is a relatively modest change to the shift pattern.

“Any changes to the shift pattern will remain within the current terms and conditions of staff and it will certainly not involve anyone working one weekend in every three.

“The signage that supports the new parking arrangements is currently being installed and we expect it to be fully in place by this Sunday.

“The new signage will ensure that anyone failing to comply with the new parking arrangements will be liable for enforcement action.”