THE cost of parking in the Scottish capital has always been contentious, but it has come under scrutiny again after it was revealed there could be a way round paying full parking fees.
It is now cheaper to pay a fine than pay for a full day of parking on city centre streets - and the anomaly has been described as a potential life hack for motorists weary of meter-feeding and high costs.
READ MORE: One in three private car parks breaches consumer laws
Edinburgh transport chiefs said they were increasing the hourly rate for parking in the Scottish capital’s busy city centre during the budget announcement in February, with a rise of over 11 per cent in some areas.
However, because the price of a parking fine not rising in line with the increased charges, motorists could receive "discounted" parking by taking a ticket instead of paying to leave their vehicle in town, the Scotsman reported.
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The hourly rate on Charlotte Square, George Street and St Andrew Square has risen by around ten per cent, from £3.80 per hour to £4.20.
All three streets have a maximum stay of three hours, so drivers could move between the areas for the full eight-hour working day at a total cost of £33.60.
But while parking fines carry a charge of £60, drivers can receive a discount if they pay within 14 days, at a cost of just £30 - almost £4 cheaper than abiding by the rules.
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