CELTIC fans are calling on the council to scrap plans for a parking zone outside Celtic Park and the Emirates Arena.

An independent hearing has been arranged after thousands of fans objected to Glasgow City Council’s proposals to tackle obstructive parking and keep emergency routes clear on match days.

The club says there is a lack of alternative transport for supporters and has described the plans as "unreasonable and disproportionate".

READ MORE: Celtic to challenge Glasgow City council over missing details in parking zone plan

And now fans have launched a petition asking the council to drop the proposals, with more than 3000 people signing by Thursday afternoon.

In a statement, they say public transport in the area is "unfit for purpose" and the parking zone would prevent people with a disability from supporting their team or attending any events at the arena.

They believe it will also have a negative financial impact on businesses near the stadium.

"These locations are two of the most visited places in Glasgow, for people from all over the world, and should remain that way, with no restrictions to their accessibility.

"This not only affects these two arenas, but other stadia in Glasgow that attract large crowds, and these are being targeted by Glasgow City Council.

"So please vote, and show your objection to these proposals, and have them scrapped."

At a recent pre-hearing meeting, Celtic questioned the validity of the council's plans amid claims key information was missing.

A club representatives said there were “gaps” in the traffic regulation order when it was first advertised to the public, with no details on the streets impacted or the hours of operation.

The council's representative said the complaint would need to be investigated but they were open to a second pre-hearing.

READ MORE: Celtic and Rangers objections to Glasgow City Council parking zone plans revealed

Traffic regulation orders could see permanent restrictions on identified emergency routes where it is "deemed unsuitable" for vehicles to park.

Event day parking zone would mean residents and businesses are provided with permits to park as they would on a non-event day. Visitor's parking permits would be available at a one-off cost of £10 per permit.

A council spokesman said: "The proposals for parking restriction around Celtic Park and Ibrox Stadium were in response to complaints from local residents and elected members around parking on match days.

"The full public hearings will be the opportunity for all interested parties to make their submissions and for all relevant issues to be explored thoroughly."

Two Scottish Government reporters will chair the public hearing, which had been planned for May or June but could be delayed by the need for a second pre-hearing or the coronavirus pandemic.

Representations are expected from emergency services, transport providers and nearby residents.

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