Edinburgh Tram staff’s parking is ‘a disgrace’

TRAM workers have been accused of turning central Edinburgh into a £1 billion private car park.

Fenced-off areas of the street are used by as many as eight tram works staff as free parking for their cars, infuriating local businesses.

Just yards away, motorists who have suffered years of inconvenience because of the works are forced to fork out £2.80 an hour for on-street parking or £19 a day in a private multi-storey car park.

Local businesses have branded the situation a disgrace and called for an investigation.

Grant McKeeman, who runs a printing shop nearby, said: “This is both a shambles and a disgrace. Many small businesses are suffering as a result [of the works] and for these contractors to get free parking is a joke. I hope the council sorts this out.”

Patrice McHenry, who works at jewellers Hamilton & Inches and who is secretary of the George Street Association, said: “Given George Street is the most ticketed street in Scotland, I would ask why these contractors’ cars are parked there. This matter should be investigated.”