Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2025
The policy on local road user charging schemes is given effect in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001, which was introduced by the Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition Administration at the time. It has not been used since then, nor has there been a move by any MSPs, including those in the Conservative Party, to remove the option, under the law in Scotland, for Glasgow City Council or any other local authority to choose to use it. Indeed, in opposition, more than 20 years ago, I campaigned against City of Edinburgh Council implementing congestion charging, precisely because it had not engaged properly with the interests and needs of people in West Lothian, including my constituents.
Glasgow City Council has not published specific proposals. Should such proposals emerge, we would fully expect a comprehensive consultation with communities and businesses. Until that process begins, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any particulars. I have not had any meetings with Glasgow City Council on the matter, but I know that it has concerns about the upkeep of, and investment in, the Clyde tunnel, which makes up 0.04 per cent of its road network but requires about 10 per cent of its annual maintenance budget to remain operational. In his contribution, Davy Russell talked about previous neglect in relation to investment.