THE Old Firm clubs have criticised "flawed" and "unreasonable" council plans to introduce parking zones outside their grounds.

Independent hearings were arranged after thousands of fans objected to Glasgow City Council's proposals to tackle obstructive parking and keep emergency routes clear on match days.

Pre-hearing meetings, led by Scottish Government reporters, Sinéad Lynch and Lance R Guilford, will be held at the Royal Concert Hall next week.

Ahead of those meetings, the council has published all representations submitted by interested parties, including fans, nearby residents and the two clubs.

READ MORE: Celtic and Rangers fans to attend meetings over controversial stadium parking zones

Rangers stated the plans were "flawed and unworkable" in their current format and ageing supporters would be "disproportionately affected".

The club claimed a "comprehensive transport infrastructure review into travelling practices of fans" was required and said it was "imperative" disabled fans weren't prevented from attending games.

Its letter stated: "It appears to be causing a great deal of distress to the wider Rangers community and the concerns of our supporters are intrinsically related to the welfare of Rangers Football Club."

The club added there was a "lack of adequate" public transport, a point also made by Celtic in its submission.

Celtic's response stated the "key underlying issue" was the lack of alternative transport.

The club said it had "actively sought to be a good neighbour and part of the community" and has a "substantial economic, social and cultural impact on the East End, Glasgow and beyond".

"Having been present in the same location for over 125 years, it seems unreasonable and disproportionate to proceed with the event day parking zone to the detriment of Celtic FC and its supporters, without first evaluating, considering and mitigating any such negative impact."

Traffic regulation orders could see permanent restrictions on identified emergency routes where it is "deemed unsuitable" for vehicles to park.

And event day parking zones would mean residents and businesses are provided with permits to park as they would on a non-event day. Visitor's parking permits would be available at a one-off cost of £10 per permit.

Summaries of representations for both proposed parking zones state elderly people, women, children and people with disabilities could be discouraged from attending matches by not being able to park close to the stadia.

They say train stations are a "significant walk" for those less able, buses are "overcrowded" and, for Rangers fans, the subway is often over capacity.

Safety issues are also raised, such as vulnerable fans having to walk home after night games.

Fans of both clubs say the parking zones could push problems such as on-street parking and anti-social behaviour in to other residential areas.

However, some support for the zones was submitted, raising issues including "nightmare" traffic, lack of access for emergency vehicles, inconsiderate parking and anti-social behaviour.

A new Subway link to the East End, a train station at Parkhead, more park and ride facilities and shuttle buses were suggested.

The summaries stated the council had held meetings with SPT, Scotrail and bus operators to "establish current levels of service and possible improvements".

READ MORE: New Glasgow parking zones to tackle congestion across city

A council spokesman said: "The proposals for parking restrictions around both stadia were in response to complaints from local residents and elected members about parking on match days.

"No evidence will be heard at the pre-hearing meeting, which is intended to allow the independent Reporters to formalise the procedures for the hearing itself.

"The full public hearing will be the opportunity for all interested parties to make their submissions and for all relevant issues to be explored thoroughly."

Due to limited capacity, those who registered for tickets for the pre-hearing meetings but had not made a representation will not be able to attend.