The council is pleased to advise that pedestrian‑focused changes will be trialled on Queen Street and Ingram Street in early 2026 as part of Glasgow’s People First Zone (PFZ) approach for the city centre.
Incorporating wider pavements, safer crossings and new street trees – the approach will enhance pedestrian space and priority, within a greener, more welcoming setting.
The PFZ 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.
PFZ changes on Queen Street and Ingram Street will operate under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) for up to 18 months, enabling monitoring of pedestrian activity, traffic behaviour and the overall impact of the trial.
Feedback from residents, businesses and visitors will also help shape the final street designs and support future bids for permanent works.
An Open Invitation Information Event will be held in the Satinwood Suite of the City Chambers on Thursday 15 January 2026 (2pm-7pm) where residents, businesses, and stakeholders can learn more about the PFZ approach and provide feedback on the plans.
Key Goals of Glasgow’s People First Zone Approach
- Make streets safer and more inclusive for everyone
- Improve pedestrian routes and crossings
- Remove non‑essential through‑traffic
- Reduce the need for general vehicle access
- Increase the number of street trees in the city centre
- Maintain disabled parking bays
- Maintain business loading facilities
What’s happening and when?
Work begins in February 2026 on a redesigned, fully accessible, step‑free junction where Queen Street meets Ingram Street – creating a safer and more direct crossing point in an area of high footfall.
From March, temporary footway extensions made from high‑quality, durable materials will be installed along both streets. Widening the pavements will create a safer, more comfortable environment for pedestrians – supported by the introduction of new parklets.
Although some general on‑street parking will be removed, the area is well served by nearby off‑street parking facilities. All existing commercial loading bays and disabled parking spaces will be retained to ensure continued access for businesses and those who rely on accessible parking.
To help create a calmer walking environment and reduce non‑essential traffic on Queen Street and Ingram Street – Bus and Authorised Vehicle Gates will be trialled. These will allow only buses, taxis, pedal cycles, commercial vehicles and other authorised vehicles to make right turns between the two streets.
These changes will support the nearby Argyle Street East Avenue project which starts construction in Spring 2026. Once this Avenue is complete, a direct west‑to‑east bus lane will be reintroduced on Argyle Street. This change will remove the need for buses to follow the current extended loop via Queen Street, Ingram Street and Glassford Street – reducing traffic on these roads and improving journey times for passengers.
The People First Zone approach for Queen Street and Ingram Street will also transform the look and feel of the area, with the addition of thirteen new street trees set in high‑quality stone planters.
More Information about the PFZ approach for Queen Street and Ingram Street, including maps and visualisations are available at glasgow.gov.uk/peoplefirstzone. An online survey for sharing feedback will open in the new year.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to make Glasgow city centre more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable.