It is now cheaper to get a fine than pay for parking in Edinburgh's city centre

Life hack? It is now cheaper to pay a fine than pay for a full day of parking on city centre streets

But now, the sight of a traffic warden writing up a charge could go from minor annoyance to clever life hack, thanks to new council-implemented parking fees.

Edinburgh car parking rate rise branded '˜highway robbery'

Transport chiefs announced they were hiking the hourly rate for parking in the capital’s busy city centre during the budget announcement in February, with a rise of over 11 per cent in certain areas.

However, thanks to the price of a parking fine not rising in line with the increased charges, motorists could receive ‘discounted’ parking - by getting a ticket instead of paying to leave their vehicle in town.

For example, the hourly rate on Charlotte Square, George Street and St Andrew Square has risen by around ten per cent, from £3.80 per hour to £4.20.

All three streets have a maximum stay of three hours, so drivers could move between the areas for the full eight-hour working day at a total cost of £33.60.

However, while parking fines carry a charge of £60, drivers can receive a discount if they pay within 14 days, at a cost of just £30 - almost £4 cheaper than abiding by the rules.