Bus gate changes planned for near Glasgow's George Square

A new bus gate is to be introduced in the city centre of Glasgow as work on redeveloping George Square continues.

Construction work on the south side of the square means the road between Cochrane Street and Queen Street - which currently operates as a bus gate - will close temporarily to all vehicles from 06:00 on Monday.

On the same day a new westbound bus gate will come into force at the junction of Ingram Street and Queen Street, meaning only buses, taxis, cycles and commercial vehicles will be permitted to use it.

News of the changes brought a negative reaction on social media, with residents saying the move would be a "nightmare" and discourage drivers coming into the city.

Work on redeveloping George Square has been ongoing since last year, and is expected to conclude later this year.

Among the changes include planting 49 new trees, reorganising statue plinths and completing work on stone pavements on all sides of the square.

An existing 24-hour eastbound bus gate is already in place at the Queen Street and Ingram Street junction.

A number of critical comments greeted the announcement on social media.

One person wrote: "Pushing someone in a wheelchair, getting them in and out of a car is very hard work.

"Having to park miles away and forced to walk further is appalling. These lanes should be open to blue badge holders."

Drivers who would normally travel west via the Ingram Street and Queen Street junction are being to divert towards Clyde Street, accessing the Broomielaw via Glassford Street, or use the M8 at Junction 15 via the southbound Springburn Expressway.

Glasgow City Council said road users should plan ahead using online mapping tools and satellite navigation systems to identify the most efficient routes, while information is also available via Traveline Scotland.