Edinburgh Sunday parking charges to begin as shops reopen

Sunday parking charges will begin in Edinburgh later this month after council chiefs said it was a “seven-day city”.

The tariffs will come into effect on April 11, covering 12.30pm to 6.30pm every Sunday.

The restrictions will cover controlled parking zones one to four, incorporating city centre streets including George Street, Castle Terrace and Chambers Street.

Shared use parking will also be implemented across zones one to eight, which includes areas such as Stockbridge, New Town, Newington and Bruntsfield.

It is hoped the parking initiatives will reduce car use and congestion, improve safety and air quality, and encourage walking, cycling and public transport use.

The changes are part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s parking action plan, which was approved by its transport and environment committee in 2016.

Councillor Karen Doran, the committee’s vice convener, said: “These updated controls are about improving conditions in the city centre, creating a safer environment and tackling inconsiderate parking, as well as providing greater flexibility for residents to park nearer their homes.

“Under normal circumstances, there is no doubt Edinburgh is a seven-day city, and we simply must address this as restrictions begin to be lifted and people return to the centre for shopping and socialising.

“We want to support businesses to recover from the Covid pandemic and greater parking controls on a Sunday will encourage customer turnover, allow more access for servicing and create a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone.

“The parking action plan was developed with the city’s residents in mind, and measures like shared use parking will provide greater flexibility and the opportunity to park closer to home for many permit-holders.

“Along with Sunday parking controls, these changes are central to our broader ambitions to manage demand and rethink the way people move around Edinburgh.”