Parking gets easier as drivers steer clear of city

TRAM work and a slowdown in consumer spending have contributed to a sharp decline in the amount of parking spaces being used in the city centre.

Latest figures show on-street parking bays were on average only in use for 43.4 per cent of chargeable periods in April – almost 6 per cent lower than at the same time last year.

The new findings come after a decline of nearly 10 per cent in usage in March and there have been year-on-year declines in parking usage in every month since last September.

A report on the economy by the council indicates that the decline since the summer may be down to "reductions in shopper expenditure resulting from the economic downturn, or to city centre disruptions".

Business leaders say tram construction work, rather than the economic downturn, has resulted in fewer people driving into the city centre.

Graham Bell, a spokesman for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "It is very difficult to say what proportion is down to the economic downturn because many parts of retail are holding up relatively well, such as food and drink and fashion.

"The problem we have here is the traffic management scheme, which seems to be working very well but it is working very well at forcing people not to drive into the city centre."

Despite the Chamber, through its Open for Business group, trying to encourage people still to use the city centre, Mr Bell said many are reluctant to drive in.

"We have to bear in mind that a very strong proportion of shoppers will want to travel by car," said Mr Bell. "People have a tendency to do what is easy. And if it is easier to go to an out-of-town shopping centre in their car then that is what people will do."

The council data showed that the average of 43.3 per cent of usage of parking bays during chargeable periods in April was slightly above the 40.4 per cent for March. However, it was 5.7 per cent lower than April 2008 and the March figure was 9.9 per cent lower than the same time last year.

However, the decline may be seen as good news for some motorists and the council report acknowledges that it is now "significantly easier" for visitors to find parking in the city centre.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development convenor, said: "Edinburgh's city centre is a world-class destination and offers a diverse range of attractions for residents and visitors alike. Yet there is little doubt that global economic conditions have impacted on shopper expenditure.

"These figures highlight that the council's ongoing efforts to support business are now more vital than ever."