Free parking will be offered to city centre businesses and buyers on Saturday afternoons and in the evening of all weekdays throughout the festival season, if Councillors approve the plans next week.

The plans are would mean free parking for vehicles in the City Centre, West End, Grassmarket and Old Town in on-street fee and display arms after 5.30 p.m. on all weekdays between 1st December 2007 and 6th January, 2008. Free parking will also be offered on every Saturday afternoon throughout the month of  December in all these places.

Proposals will be considered by the Policy and Strategy Committee, which will also make the plan a yearly event at its next meeting scheduled to be taken plance on 6th November.

If the recommendations will receive members' approval, it will be the third consecutive year that shoppers and businesses in the city centre will enjoy free parking.

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Cllr Jenny Dawe, said, "Edinburgh is home to the world's best Winter festival. Edinburgh city centre is a world-class, iconic experience, particularly the wonderful atmosphere generated by Winter Wonderland during our Capital Christmas. It is important that Council does all that it can to promote the city centre.  That is why I am delighted that we have managed to work closely with the business community to meet their aspirations through relaxing our parking regulations. When combined with the huge investment that we have made in Park Ride services, the Council has more than played its part in ensuring that the city centre, and all of its businesses, should enjoy a happy and prosperous festive season".