Parking charge cut is delayed by council

PROPOSALS to cut the price of parking charges in the city centre are expected to be delayed until councillors debate the move later this year.

Charges would be cut from £5.50 to £3 in streets on the edge of the city centre. The move would seek to cut down on the number of commuters parking in residential areas, but has attracted criticism for potentially encouraging more shoppers to drive into town.

City transport leader Lesley Hinds said there were a number of concerns and that the decision would be put off for two months. Among the concerns raised by the cycling groups, who fear more cars clogging up the streets, is that it would be cheaper to drive than buy a Lothian Buses day ticket.