“Rangers’ Hampden Relocation Sparks Fears of Parking Mayhem and Staff Abuse”
Union leaders are cautioning that Rangers’ temporary move to Hampden Park will cause significant parking disruptions on match days. GMB Scotland, representing Glasgow’s traffic wardens, stated that the club’s shift from Ibrox to the national stadium necessitates doubling the staff assigned to the south side during home games, which leaves other parts of the city understaffed.
John Slaven, a union organizer with Glasgow City Council, expressed concerns about the insufficient discussion regarding the impact of these changes on both staff and drivers. He pointed out that significantly more personnel will be deployed to Hampden compared to the usual rotas for Ibrox, leaving critical areas like the city center without adequate coverage. This, he warned, could lead to more reckless and hazardous parking, potentially obstructing emergency vehicles and increasing the risk of confrontation for parking attendants.
The construction delays on Ibrox’s Copland Road stand mean the club will remain at Hampden until at least next month. GMB Scotland is currently in talks with the council and Police Scotland to address the staffing requirements and essential routes needing attention. These discussions are heightening concerns about the management of parking during major events, including football matches and concerts.
Slaven mentioned that staff routinely face abuse while monitoring parking near large events, noting that the harassment, both verbal and physical, that workers endured at the recent TRNSMT festival was the tipping point for many. He has urged the council to revise rotas to ensure attendants never patrol alone at major events and receive better compensation for these shifts.
A Glasgow City Council spokesperson emphasized that their enforcement team had expanded earlier in the year following a successful recruitment drive, and additional new staff are currently being trained, with more recruitment planned. The spokesperson also condemned the abuse of council staff, stating it is completely unacceptable.