Edinburgh’s transport convener is warning that Scottish Government rules means it is cheaper for motorists to accept a fine than pay the parking fee in some parts of the city.

The Edinburgh Evening News says Scott Arthur has accused the government of a “massive slap in the face” to law-abiding motorists after it refused his call for increased fines and more enforcement powers for the council.

It says Councillor Arthur wrote to Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth last month, urging new powers for councils in line with changes in England and Wales. These include different levels of fine to reflect the seriousness of the offence and higher penalties for persistent offenders. The report says he told Ms Gilruth there was cross-party support on the city council for higher fines to encourage better compliance, given that fine levels had not been increased since 1998.

The government recently published its response to a consultation on parking fines. Seventy per cent of those who took part agreed that fixed penalty notices should be increased. But the government said: “Although these results point towards a desired increase, it is Transport Scotland’s view that this is not an appropriate time to introduce due to the current cost of living crisis.”

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