COUNCIL bosses have pledged to improve transport at Glasgow's main gig venue.

After years of complaints about congestion, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) have devised a scheme to sort out traffic issues.

Journeying to and from the Hydro and the SEC is a long-running headache for music fans with some reporting taking up to an hour to get out of the venue by car.

Glasgow Taxis has also complained about congestion with visitors avoiding using taxis due to the hassle.

A spokeswoman for the SEC said: “We have been working closely with Glasgow City Council to improve traffic management around the Scottish Event Campus.

“We are pleased to have found some solutions that will enhance the traffic flow on the surrounding roads.”

It is understood that the layout of the current road outside the Hydro will be changed, as will be drop off and pick up area.

There will also be a taxi rank and space for buses.

Council chiefs said it is not known how long it will take to implement the new scheme as work will have to be fitted round the gig schedule of the Hydro.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “We have been working with the SEC to look at how we can improve access arrangements and traffic management.

"This will include some changes to the layout of the existing road loop and drop-off/pick-up area - including providing space for buses and also a taxi rank.”

Last year a pick up and drop off facility was introduced to try to alleviate traffic but without much success.

Drivers were able to park for free for up to 30 minutes and pick up friends and family who are attending shows.

Speaking on behalf of the Glasgow Taxis Ltd Executive Committee, chairman Stephen Flynn said: “Traffic management around The SSE Hydro and across the Clyde Arc has caused major issues for drivers and our customers for a number of years.

“We are extremely pleased that after a prolonged period of consultation with Glasgow City Council, we have been assured that improvements will be in place by the end of June.

“Resolving these issues will assist the service to the Hydro and surrounding hotels, which will benefit the people of Glasgow, businesses and tourists alike.

“During a recent meeting with council representatives, we proposed plans to address a number of other major transport issues in the city, which we hope the council will address in the very near future.”