Edinburgh Sunday parking changes set to be approved a 'democratic outrage' after 91 per cent of public object to plans

Plans to introduce paid-for Sunday parking and increase the amount of shared car parking spaces in the Capital have been labelled a “democratic outrage” and discriminatory by opposition councillors.

Long-planned proposals to charge for parking on a Sunday in the city centre are due to be finalised at the Transport and Environment committee meeting on Thursdaydespite more than 90 per cent of the public disagreeing with the plans.

Conservative transport spokesman Nick Cook labelled the move a “democratic outrage” and said pushing forward with the plans was symptomatic of the council’s disconnect with residents, while Labour councillor Scott Arthur said the plans were “unfair”

Transport convener Lesley Macinnes said the plans will improve accessibility and reduce congestion.

The changes will see charges running from 12.30pm until 6.30pm on controlled parking zones 1 to 4, including 1A – as well as main traffic routes outside the city centre, covering part of Queensferry Road and Broughton Street and comes alongside an extension to shared parking bays.

However, opposition councillors have blasted the plans set to be approved after a consultation at the end of 2019 saw 91 per cent of respondents object.

Concerns over disruption to times of worship, the time of restriction and people being unable to use public transport were the most common objections raised.

Cllr Nick Cook said: “This report lays bare just how disconnected the SNP and Labour have become with the views of ordinary citizens.

“Councillors are elected to represent the views of the public, who have again shown they are opposed to so much of the adminstration’s ideologically driven transport agenda, including the introduction of Sunday parking charges. With a staggering 91 percent of people opposed to the Council’s plans, proceeding as planned would be a democratic outrage.”

Labour councillor Scott Arthur said that the changes discriminate against non-Christians.

He said: “Although only 0.97 per cent of people that took part in the consultation were supportive of charging for on-street parking on Sundays, the scale of the cuts the Council faces mean the measure must be introduced.

“Fundamentally, the proposals are unfair. This is not just because it will make life harder for churchgoers with mobility problems to take part in worship and fellowship, but because it discriminates against people of other faiths.

“The Council plans to permit free parking up until 12:30pm on Sundays, but there is no similar provision for Muslims and Jews on their main day of worship.”

Cllr Lesley Macinnes said: “We take people’s views very seriously and the development of the Parking Action Plan has involved a great deal of research and consultation. As a result, we made changes to proposals, including setting Sunday parking controls to afternoon-only to strike a balance for all those who live in and visit the city centre.

“The parking team has taken great care to consider the various comments received during the latest period of consultation, and have responded to specific concerns in detail. Ultimately, these changes address the fact that Edinburgh is very much a seven-day city.”

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