Man 'painted over' yellow lines

Mr Ritchie is accused of painting over the lines

A man who allegedly painted over double yellow lines near his home so he could park for free has been charged by police.

David Ritchie, 35, from Edinburgh, was charged with contravening the Roads (Scotland) Act and malicious mischief.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Police said the action followed "ongoing inquiries" into the incident, which is alleged to have taken place in the Upper Craigour area of the capital.

Mr Ritchie is accused of blackening out a section of double yellow lines just long enough for his own car.

Extra parking restrictions were introduced in the area after Edinburgh's new Royal Infirmary opened nearby.

The city's traffic wardens, famed for their zealous approach after a series of high-profile ticketing incidents, were powerless to do anything about the situation, it was claimed.

A report on the matter will also be sent to the procurator fiscal.