Glasgow’s “People First Zone” project has been in talks for a few years now, helping create more space in the city centre for pedestrians. Works have been taking place on Queen Street and Ingram Street, with a new decking walkway already up. The footway boasts trees in planters and seating, and will be part of an initial trial for the high footfall area.
What is more, new bus and authorised vehicle gates will be trialled on both streets, allowing only buses, taxis, pedal cycles and commercial vehicles to make right turns between the two streets. There will also be no on-street parking available.
Plus, June will see the planting of more trees on Queen Street and Ingram Street, bringing more greenery to the area,
In a council meeting, Cllr Angus Millar confirmed that various pedestrian-first projects are underway in Glasgow and are making progress.
The trial should take up to 18 months under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, eventually determining the overall impact of the changes. Visitors and residents are also encouraged to provide their feedback to the Glasgow City Council.
The experimental initiative is also in line with plans to make Glasgow carbon neutral by 2030.
Westbound bus gate on Queen Street / Ingram Street and road closures
The new Westbound bus gate has been open since May 11 and will operate seven days a week between 7am and 7pm.
Glasgow City Council posted on Instagram: ” A westbound bus gate will go live at the Ingram Street/Queen Street junction. Operating 7 days a week (7am–7pm) the new bus gate will allow only authorised vehicles (buses, taxis, cycles and commercial vehicles) to turn right from Ingram Street onto Queen Street.”
What is more, the road between Cochrane Street and Queen Street will be closed from 6am.
The Council also posted on Instagram: “To support the next phase of #Avenues construction work at George Square, the road between Cochrane Street and Queen Street will temporarily close to all vehicles from 6am. Pedestrian access is unaffected.“
Back in December, Cllr Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery, Transport and Climate, also said: “This first phase of Glasgow’s People First Zone is an opportunity to demonstrate new ideas and see how they work for the thousands of people who use these streets every day. By introducing changes on a trial basis, we can safely explore options that create more space and priority for people on foot to create a lower-traffic city centre environment for pedestrians.
To deliver high‑quality results from the outset, we’ve worked with a specialist supplier to design robust, footway extensions, built to withstand heavy use and Glasgow’s weather. The upgraded parklets and units use durable materials and construction methods that provide a much more reliable, longer‑lasting solution than earlier temporary features.
Easy-to-maintain street trees in stone planters will also be introduced, echoing the high‑quality design already seen outside GoMA. The city centre People First Zone approach is also proposed to be extended to Candleriggs and Wilson Street, complementing ongoing projects such as the George Square redevelopment, the Avenues Programme, and major regeneration projects being delivered throughout the city centre, such as at Candleriggs Square. “
You can read more about the People First Zone project here.
