News Details

​As you know we made some changes to the Car Parking Policy in August. Since the launch, we have been listening to all of your feedback and I would like to give you an update on some of the issues raised.

• We have been able to clear the car parking permit waiting lists at both Sighthill and Craiglockhart.
• Merchiston is more challenging but we hope to release a small number of permits over time, and we’ll closely monitor the situation. In the meantime, Merchiston-based staff on a waiting list now have the option of applying for a permit that would allow them to park at the Craiglockhart and Sighthill Campuses only.

Visitor parking spaces

• Five extra visitor parking spaces have been added at Craiglockhart and Sighthill. This follows a review of visitor parking arrangements after concerns were raised about the number of spaces and their proximity to campus entrances. We will continue to monitor the situation.

• A parking ticket will only be issued to a vehicle that has no valid University Permit or one that is parked outside a designated parking bay. To appeal a ticket please follow the appeals process flowchart. Note the initial appeal is made to UKPC although it is the University that investigates individual cases and has the final decision.

• If you have a City of Edinburgh Council Blue Badge you do not require a University Parking Permit. Blue Badge holders should park in the designated disabled space, or if necessary, any other marked bay on campus. Please can you contact Security Control to let us know if you currently use a blue badge so we can keep track and plan accordingly.

• From 5 January 2016, motorcycle parking at Merchiston will be to the rear of the building next to Mardale Crescent.  Staff with motorcycles do not require a permit.

• Temporary permits will be introduced from the 1 February 2016 to accommodate staff or students who have a temporary need to park close to the buildings. New bays will be created on each campus. In the event of these spaces being full then it will be possible to park in a standard space. Please contact Human Resources if you would like to apply for this permit.

• From 5 January 2016 it will be possible for contractors to be assigned daily parking permits. This will only be available at Craiglockhart and Sighthill. This is to allow contractors to park on campus whilst carrying out their business. All contractors must follow the Code of Practice for Contractors by checking in with security on site, a daily pass will then be issued if necessary. The pass should be displayed clearly on the dashboard of the vehicle. If contractors needed to park on campus in the event of an emergency, Car Parking must be advised immediately.

How we use income from permits

• Permit costs have increased for the first time since 2006, and the income is used to cover internal costs of managing and maintaining the carparks only. Our plan is to use 10% of income generated from the new fee structure for environmental initiatives aimed at reducing car usage and encouraging alternative means of transport, for example investing in more e-bikes and bike maintenance and repair sessions.