SCOTTISH Labour leader Anas Sarwar has pledged to block any plans to introduce a congestion charge in Scotland largest city should he win power in May.

In recent months, speculation has grown that Glasgow City Council may make the move, with both the SNP minority administration and Green groups in support.

Mr Sarwar has however vowed to veto the plans if he wins the keys to Bute House, arguing the charge was only being tabled because “the SNP has underfunded Glasgow for years.”

He said: “This charge would punish motorists for going to work, seeing family, meeting friends or getting to vital services like hospital appointments.

“That is not fair and Scottish Labour would block it.

“If the SNP and Greens were serious about tackling congestion, they would fix the mess they have made of buses and trains instead of continuing their war on motorists.”

Former councillor and present SNP candidate for Glasgow Central Alison Thewliss said: “If the Labour Party were really bothered about the cost of commuting, they’d take action on spiralling prices at the pump.”

Scottish Greens Glasgow candidate, Councillor Holly Bruce, said: “Anas Sarwar is once again offering an easy slogan instead of a serious answer to Glasgow’s transport problems.  

“The Greens have consistently argued for cutting the cost of travel and reducing congestion by giving people better options, not by pretending the problem will solve itself.  

“If any scheme is ever brought forward, it must be fair, it must work for the city and it must come alongside major improvements to public transport.

“But ruling it out in principle, while people are stuck in traffic and breathing dirty air, is not leadership. It is just another excuse for inaction.”