ONE-WAY pavements could be introduced in Glasgow city centre to allow people to maintain physical distancing during the phased lockdown exit plan.

Glasgow City Council is considering a wide range of measures that will allow more space for people to walk and cycle in the city centre while keeping two metres apart from others.

A one-way system in city centre streets where pavements are narrow is one of the many radical ideas being looked at.

For it to work there would be extra crossing points introduced.

Another is reversing the traffic lights system to set the green man as default and for vehicles to activate a change, instead of pedestrians pressing the button.

Every main street in the city centre would be affected by the measures with an extra 15miles of space given over to walking and cycling.

Removing all on street parking, to allow wider pavements, is also being part of the plan.

It is thought there is plenty of capacity in the off street car parks to cope.

Among the options being looked at are selective road closures.

Making narrow pavements, with limited space, one-way for pedestrians, with perhaps additional crossing points.

Encourage and facilitate responsible queuing at bus stops.

Identify potential cycle routes through the city centre linking to strategic routes.

A trial of e-scooters in the city centre and increasing the number of bikes and electric bikes available bike hire scheme.

Plans for busy shopping streets outside the city centre will also be developed, including for Partick, Shawlands, Maryhill and Dennistoun, Pollok, Drumchapel, Easterhouse and Castlemilk.

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader said “The easing of the pandemic lockdown means that repurposing our streets is not just an ambition but a matter of urgency. People need the safe space and confidence to observe social distancing, get on with their lives and accelerate our recovery. We must respond to that need now.

“We have recently been awarded £3.5m from Transport Scotland’s ‘Spaces for People’ scheme to help support this. From reconfiguring our roads and footways to provide extra space for pedestrians, mobility and wheelchair users, to the creation of temporary cycle lanes; different combinations will be considered to fit the needs and characters of different neighbourhoods, as well as our city centre. This funding pot has recently been increased and so we’ll bid for further funding in the near future.

Glasgow Times: Susan AitkenSusan Aitken

“The need for space is widespread and immediate. Safer streets are about restoring confidence, vibrancy, prosperity. They’re also about saving lives. “

Signs and road markings will be used but in some cases barriers like planters, concrete blocks or rubber kerbs will be used for segregation.

The council said a new long term transport plan will also be needed.