City moves a step closer to Sunday parking fees

Councillors considered proposals to overhaul Edinburgh’s parking yesterday – and agreed in principle to extend new parking controls to Sundays.

Members of the Transport and Environment Committee have requested further details on costs involved and the implementation of the wider plan and will now hear another report on Parking Action Plan proposals at its next meeting in June.

The draft Parking Action Plan was originally developed to create a cohesive approach to parking in Edinburgh, encouraging active travel and safeguarding residents’ spaces while supporting the city’s economy.

Amongst actions suggested were the roll-out of shared-use parking for permit holders and pay and display customers, visitor permits and the introduction of parking restrictions on Sundays.

A public consultation on proposals was held at the end of 2015, with responses communicated to yesterday’s Transport and Environment Committee.

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “The Parking Action Plan is about making travel easier for both residents and visitors, alleviating the impact of uncontrolled parking while increasing turnover for businesses.

“We have listened carefully to the public and appreciate their concerns, though we also want to, in line with other councils, address the fact the public’s shopping and socialising habits have changed to cover the whole weekend.

“What’s more, the Parking Action Plan aims to engender safer, more accessible streets, in turn encouraging active and sustainable travel, so I look forward to seeing the final plan later this year.”

Of 18 smaller cities in the UK, only three other local authorities currently have no parking restrictions on a Sunday – Bristol, Perth and Stirling.

A survey on the draft Parking Action Plan attracted more than 4000 responses to proposals, which included weekend and evening parking controls, shared-use parking, visitor permits and a new pricing strategy.

A number of changes were made as a result of the consultation, including the withdrawal of proposals to extend weekend restrictions to zones 5, 5a and 6, which cover Dean Village and parts of Stockbridge and the New Town.

Proposals to extend restrictions into the evenings have also been withdrawn after Committee approval of a Capital Coalition motion.

A further report on the Parking Action Plan will be heard by Transport and Environment Committee in June.