Permits to be the most expensive in Scotland

THE latest rise in the cost of parking permits will mean many drivers will have to pay more than they would in any other Scottish city.

The city council has announced a five per cent hike in the cost of permits across the Capital. It means motorists who own the biggest cars and live within the central parking zone will face annual charges above any other authority in Scotland.

A big increase in the cost of on-street parking has also been announced as part of more than 100 city council price rises. The price changes, which include football pitches, theatres, school facilities, burial costs, library meeting rooms, allotments and skip hire, are expected to bring in millions of pounds of extra revenue.

Neil Greig, a spokesman for the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "It is no surprise that this is happening because cash-strapped councils want to raise money and, as ever, they turn to motorists.

"It is just another tax on drivers and they will be upset that they are being asked to pay more for nothing in return."

Edinburgh was already Scotland's most expensive city for larger cars. Parking permits in the city centre for one-car households will range from 52.50 a year for the smallest car, up to 336 a year for the largest car.

For an average-sized car, it will cost 147 a year.

Households with two cars will need to pay more for the second car, with prices ranging from 65.63 up to 420.

Permits in areas in the outer parking zone will range from 26.25 up to 168, or 73.50 for an average-sized car.

On-street charges will rise by 60p to 2.60 in the busiest city centre areas, but will be frozen in extended controlled zones at 1 per hour.

A council spokeswoman said: "The council has increased fees to cover the cost of providing services."