Early Christmas gift for shoppers

Edinburgh's city centre will have free parking from 1 November

The annual tradition of giving free parking to shoppers in Edinburgh city centre over Christmas has been extended, it has been announced.

Edinburgh City Council will waive parking charges on evenings and Saturday afternoons from 1 November.

The move, which runs until 4 January, will help traders hit by tram works.

Restrictions are to be lifted from 1730 GMT on weekdays, one hour earlier than at present, and from 1300 BST on Saturdays.

Yellow line restrictions will still apply during the periods of free parking.

'Great stimulus'

Councillor Phil Wheeler, Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: "It's important that the council does all it can to promote our wonderful city centre.

"This is the fourth year of our parking promotion and the second year we've been able to offer free Saturday afternoon parking and I am sure that extending the offer throughout November and December will be a great stimulus for encouraging more people into town."

There will be free parking in on-street pay and display bays in the city centre, Old Town, Grassmarket and West End.

Tollcross is also included in the scheme, and streets which serve this area have been added to the list.