Free Christmas parking scrapped in Edinburgh

The council said it was not possible to identify funding for the scheme for this year's Christmas shoppers

The annual tradition of giving free parking to shoppers in Edinburgh city centre over Christmas has been cancelled this year.

Edinburgh City Council has waived parking charges in the city centre on evenings and Saturday afternoons during the festive period for five years.

But officials have blamed the economic climate for cancelling the scheme.

The local authority has also admitted losing revenue from parking meters during the recent heavy snow.

An Edinburgh City Council spokesman said: "In the current economic climate it's not been possible for the council or partners to identify funding for this promotion

"However, with a wide range of activities for all the family, excellent bus services and plenty of parking available, for as little as £1.20 an hour, we believe Edinburgh city centre offers a great shopping experience over the festive season."