Since 1 November, Edinburgh's Christmas shoppers have been taking advantage of the free parking in and around the city centre, as Edinburgh City Council introduce free on street parking in the evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Following annual tradition the city council have proposed free parking from 5.30pm Monday to Friday in on-street pay-and-display bays, and also every Saturday from 1pm. The scheme will run until early January in a bid to boost trade, particularly those affected by the chaotic tram developments.

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

“We know from previous years this is a particularly popular initiative for those who like to be able to bring their car into town.”

The proposal itself was introduced by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Open For Business campaign, a scheme set up to promote the shops, businesses and attractions of Edinburgh throughout the tram works. 2008 is the first year to witness this new parking initiative as early as November, and will take place within the city centre, West End, Old Town, Tollcross and the Grassmarket.

The plan is being supported by Essential Edinburgh Business Improvement District who seem enthusiastic about the project. A spokesperson said: “Essential Edinburgh is delighted to be involved with bringing the free parking scheme back again this year, and that it has been extended to include November. The atmosphere of the city centre this time of year is magical and we would encourage all Christmas shoppers and revellers to take advantage of this fantastic offer.”

Paid parking is usually in place throughout these areas from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, however the scheme will bring free parking forward an hour. Free Sunday rates still apply, and some yellow line restrictions are still in place.

The parking proposal will cost around £36,000 per month, but receives great support from the Open for Business group. The group itself concentrates on maintaining trade within the city during tram construction, and gets involved in particular activities such as investing in new branding and marketing for the West End village, providing support to The Leith Festival and Leith Walk, and arranging the Spa in the City day.

“Continuing this concession until the 10 January will take in the start of the January sales too.” Mr. Weeler confirmed.

Some seemed less enthused by the proposal. Bruce Young, Lothian and Borders co-ordinator of the Association of British Drivers, told the Edinburgh Evening News: “This worked well last year but i think they could have gone further and started the free parking earlier in the day.

“I think one of the side effects last year was that people put off going into the city centre until later on when they knew the parking would be free. This brings its own pressures in terms of the spaces available, but I think people will welcome this.”

Phil Weeler remained completely supportive of the campaign: “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.”