GLASGOW will face a backlash if sky-high parking charges are introduced to tackle city centre congestion, business leaders warned today.

Council chiefs yesterday demanded increased parking fees as an alternative to controversial road tolls.

The call was made in submissions lodged for a new transport strategy being proposed for west Scotland.

But Dr Lesley Sawers, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said that higher parking fees would hit motorists in the pocket - and that could threaten the city's wealth.

She said: "We have to get our traffic management system right to ensure the city's continuing prosperity.

"Both congestion charging and increased parking give us concern about the effects they could have on the city centre and on Glasgow.

"What we do need is a traffic infrastructure and a public transport system that supports business and does not discourage shoppers and visitors from coming to the city.

"How best to achieve this has still to be agreed."

Major stores would also oppose extra charges if there was a risk of shoppers being driven away.

Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Congestion is increasing in the city and on its edges and it is not going to go away.

"Congestion is bad for business and for consumers. It costs business time and money.

"But we don't need a knee-jerk reaction. We don't want to discourage shoppers from coming into the city centre.

"Glasgow has spent a massive amount of time, effort and money to enhance its reputation as one of the best shopping destinations in the UK."

It's estimated shoppers spend £2.4billion a year in city shops. Store bosses are worried they will be short-changed if some of that cash is spent on anti-congestion charges.

Ms Moriarty has called for more debate to find a "more sustainable solution".

Glasgow roads chief Robert Booth said: "We've given our response in terms of a national road pricing scheme.

"Road pricing does not take account of the time spent in the city. Whether it's an hour or a day, it's a flat charge.

"In terms of fairness, we believe competitively-priced car parking is the best way to tackle city congestion without damaging the wider economy.

"We believe road pricing would have a potentially negative impact on the city economy.

"Improved public transport links, coupled with controlled parking measures, is the way to tackle congestion."