Edinburgh Travel Forum

I have came accross of many B&B web-page saying that they have free on-street parking. Can anyone living here could advise the details? There is no free street parking in my own town (Hong Kong) all legal street parking here should be in paid meter parking otherwise you will be issued charge ticket.

many thanks

Many streets in the UK do have no parking restrictions at all, although this unusual in the very centre of towns and cities.

If the b&b offers 'free, on-street parking' it means that although they have no private car park available for guests, there are no restrictions on parking in the streets by/near the b&b. You will not get a ticket as long as you do not break parking regulations.

Many city/town streets have double yellow lines by the kerb: you must not park there at any time. Many have single yellow lines: this means parking is retricted to certain times of day (there will be a sign telling you when). There are zig-zag yellow lines outside schools: you cannot park on these, or on the zig-zag lines either side of a pedestrian crossing.

Town and city councils control other types of parking. Metered parking is extremely rare outside major cities, and is very obvious when it occurs.Some places have 'residents-only' parking: residents display a badge in the car which enables them to park. Again, there will be signs telling you details.

While it may say "free on-street parking" the proviso should be added "if you can find a space"! Especially in Edinburgh.

In many parts of central Edinburgh you require a permit from the local council to park in the Residential parking bays. Your B&B sounds like it is outside of these areas but you may still find it difficult to park near to the B&B. Not many offer car parking so it will just be a chance that you have to take. If you let me know the area you are looking at then I'll see if I can give extra advice.

From memory there is a long stay car park near Jeffrey St that lots of the hotels on the Royal Mile recommend, you could also use on of the many Park-&-Ride schemes. See link for more info;

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/internet/transport/CEC_parking

Thanks for your advice. I am now have some B&Bs information which are in Glenorchy Terrance, constitution street, milton road and leith walk. Your advice really make me worry as most B&Bs only have off street parking. As I will stay in Edinburgh for two night, I suppose to use the public transport for and leave the car in B&B.

Of those locations, I'd go for the one on Glenorchy Road for parking as well as it's location & transport links, Leith Walk is also quite central but can get very busy with traffic. Constitution Street is quite narrow with few parking spaces and Milton Road is too far away.