Technical Notes 2026, Issue 15 - Exploration of Congestion Charge and Toll to use the Clyde Tunnel – Response from Glasgow City Council

At its meeting on 18 December 2025, East Dunbartonshire Council considered the following Motion in relation to exploration of Congestion Charge and Toll to use the Clyde Tunnel.

“Council notes that Glasgow City Council is exploring the introduction of a city-wide congestion charge and toll to use the Clyde Tunnel. 

Council further notes: 

That all councils are under increasing financial pressure, including East Dunbartonshire, due to funding cuts from the SNP Scottish Government to Local Government. 

However, Council believes that this measure is entirely wrong for residents of East Dunbartonshire and the neighbouring local authorities. 

Council believes that residents of East Dunbartonshire should not have to pay a congestion charge or a toll for the purpose of plugging a financial gap in Glasgow City Council's budget. 

Council also believes that this is a punitive measure, particularly for the many residents of East Dunbartonshire who travel into Glasgow for work, leisure, retail, and to attend medical appointments. 

Council recognises that everyone should play their part in reducing the number of car journeys on our roads but recognises that this is only possible with significant improvements to our public transport infrastructure. 

Therefore, Council agrees that the Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, Gordan Low, should write to Glasgow City Council Leader, Susan Aitken, to outline our firm opposition to these proposals and to ask that Glasgow City Council re-think these plans.”

A copy of the response from Glasgow City Council’s Council Leader, Susan Aitken, is attached for Members’ information.