The popular initiative was available during December last year but has been brought forward by a month as city leaders try to help traders hit by the tram works and economic slowdown.

It will mean free parking from 5.30pm Monday to Friday in on-street pay-and-display bays, as well as every Saturday from 1pm.

The measures should be in place by November 1st and will be run until January 10th.

It is the fourth year in a row that free parking will be offered during the festive season in the city centre. The scheme will also be available in the West End, Old Town, Tollcross and the Grassmarket.

The move, which is thought will cost around £70,000, will be paid for by the Open For Business campaign, which is promoting the Capital during the tram project.

It has already been agreed that the free parking will also be on offer in November, 2009 as well.

Business and motoring groups today welcomed the move.

Bruce Young, Lothian and Borders co-ordinator of the Association of British Drivers, said: "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."

Graham Birse, deputy chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is a great message to send out to shoppers.

"The November pay run is a key trigger for Christmas shopping from what the retailers tell me and it is true that a lot of people do like to do the bulk of their shopping ahead of the December rush.

"This will allow people to relax knowing their car is safe for the rest of the afternoon and they can just get on with their shopping. It is also an important message in terms of dispelling the myth that Edinburgh is tough on motorists."

Councillor Phil Wheeler, the city's transport leader, said: "It's important that the council does all it can to promote our wonderful city centre and through the Open for Business forum, officers have worked with businesses to assess their needs.

"This is the fourth year of our 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 people into town."

Source: Andrew Picken, Transport Reporter, Evening News, 29th September, 2008

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