THE council is seeking talks with the government over the M8 and other main routes through Glasgow.

It argues they should be “re-engineered” and “re-imagined” to reduce the impact on communities.

It is asking for talks to start with the Scottish Government Transport Minister to develop solutions to heal what one leading councillor describes as a “deep scar” on the city.

 The Glasgow Times revealed how there were concerns out the impact the busy motorway has on the city centre 

Ideas include downgrading the stretch from Townhead to the Kingston Bridge from motorway status to a boulevard and altering slip roads and junctions.

The council also wants to look at similar action for the Clydeside Expressway and the Shieldhall flyover connecting the M8 to the Clyde Tunnel.

Angus Millar, the city council’s Transport convenor has written to Jenny Gilruth, Transport Minister, asking for talks on the future of the M8.

The stretch that is considered to be particularly problematic is from Junction 15 Townhead, near the Royal Infirmary to Junction 20 on the south side of the Kingston Bridge.

Councillor Millar said: “As a local elected member for the city centre and some of its surrounding communities, I see on a daily basis the impact of the M8.

“A deep scar in the urban fabric of Glasgow, it detracts significantly from the city’s sense of place and has a deeply damaging effect on the liveability and regeneration potential of surrounding areas.

“For over 50 years it has also acted as a physical barrier, disconnecting communities to the north and west from the heart of city life.”

He said any action would be split into short, medium and long-term with research and a possible lowering of the speed limit, an example of short-term, re-engineering junctions in the medium and downgrading to a non-motorway boulevard the sort of long-term action that could be considered.

He questioned whether, if a transport network was being designed today it would include the M8 through the city.

He added: “I believe it is time to seriously re-evaluate whether the continued provision of a city centre motorway, being so clearly a product of a car-dependent strategic transport approach of decades gone by, is consistent with the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council’s shared long-term sustainable transport objectives.

“Simply put, we believe it is time to consider whether this transport solution of the 1960s is the right solution for the 2030s and beyond.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Transport Scotland is open to engagement with Glasgow City Council on any proposal they put forward – and to any discussions on the shared benefits and potential impacts of such a proposal.

“We will respond to correspondence received in due course.”