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Drivers have been left furious over new congestion charge proposals across Glasgow, which risk "punishing" thousands of motorists who rely on their cars for work, family life and essential services. The warning follows growing anger over plans by Glasgow City Council to introduce a new congestion charge alongside tolls for the Clyde Tunnel. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar warned the move would hit ordinary working people hardest, particularly local businesses and residents. He argued that t he SNP has "underfunded Glasgow for years" with the news of potential tolls and congestion charges set to see working people "pay the price". TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say He said: "This charge would punish motorists for going to work, seeing family, meeting friends, or getting to vital services like hospital appointments. "That is not fair, and Scottish Labour would block it. If the SNP and Greens were serious about tackling congestion, they would fix the mess they have made of buses and trains instead of continuing their war on motorists." Reports have suggested that the council has been struggling to fund its road network, with the ageing Clyde Tunnel placing a major strain on finances. The tunnel, which opened in 1963, is a key route linking the north and south of the city and carries over 65,000 vehicles daily. The proposed charges prompted a debate in the Scottish Parliament, where MSPs warned the impact of tolls and road fees could "stretch far beyond the city itself". Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw said drivers from across Scotland could be charged simply for crossing into Glasgow. He warned: "Drivers would be charged each time that they drive into the city, for reasons such as work, healthcare and education." Mr Carlaw also raised concerns about the wider knock-on effect of the charges and that people attending hospital appointments or commuting into the city would face new costs "for the privilege of doing so". LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Sadiq Khan urged to make major Ulez changes as drivers risk 'unnecessary fines' Electric car sales peak with best-ever month despite calls for 'urgent review' of EV targets BYD achieves 'record-breaking' sales as Chinese car giant plans major UK expansion Business leaders have also sounded the alarm with MSPs warning that firms could be driven out of the city centre if extra charges are introduced. Conservative MSP Pam Gosal stated that any charge for non-residents would be seen as an unfair additional tax, "those who would be most acutely affected would be those on low incomes, shift workers, and the elderly". Similarly, Labour MSP Davy Russell said motorists would effectively be paying twice for infrastructure, describing it as a "supertax". However, Green MSP Patrick Harvie said there is "an overwhelming case for a shift towards lower car use and greater investment in public transport". The Scottish Government has not backed any specific plan, but Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop stressed that no formal proposals have been put forward. She said: "We would fully expect a comprehensive consultation with communities and businesses." Council leader Susan Aitken also stated there is currently "no specific proposal" for a toll, but admitted there are "significant issues" around funding vital infrastructure. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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