Sunday parking charges could be introduced in parts of Edinburgh as councillors examine options to ease congestion and improve access to the city centre.

The council's transport committee is currently considering a raft of proposals to overhaul parking in the city following a public consultation.

Other options being examined are the introduction of visitor permits in the city centre and a roll out of parking spaces that would be shared between permit holders and pay and display customers.

Another option under consideration is extending the hours during which controlled parking operates to between 7pm and 8.30pm rather than the current finishing times of 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Councillors say parking restrictions introduced in the 1970s are no longer fit for purpose thanks to increased car ownership, longer shopping hours and Sunday trading.

Transport convener Lesley Hinds said: "The Parking Action Plan is about making travel easier for both residents and visitors, alleviating the impact of uncontrolled parking while increasing turnover for businesses.

"We have listened carefully to the public and appreciate their concerns, though we also want to, in line with other councils, address the fact the public's shopping and socialising habits have changed to cover the whole weekend.

"What's more, the Parking Action Plan aims to engender safer, more accessible streets, in turn encouraging active and sustainable travel, so I look forward to seeing the final plan later this year."

A further report on the proposals will be heard by the committee in June.