THE AA has named a Scots shopping centre one of the UK’s worst for its “utterly crackers” parking charges.

The organisation’s analysis revealed that motorists could fork out more than £26 for just a few hours at city shopping centres in the UK.

3

They say the eyewatering fees have driven shoppers away from the high streets over the festive break.

The AA insisted these shocking fines, which are partly designed to encourage drivers to use Park and Ride schemes, have hit retailers especially hard over the crucial festive shopping period.

And one Scots shopping centre was named among the country’s most pricey parking spots.

Edinburgh‘s St James Quarter ranked third on the list – costing a whopping £18.40 for between four and five hours.

Spokesman Luke Bosdet told The Sun: “In too many towns, parking costs aren’t just bonkers — they’re utterly crackers.

“The AA understands the need to encourage commuters and tourists to park on the outskirts to reduce pollution and congestion.

“Park and ride works very well in reducing inner city travel costs and hassle.

“But doing it on major shopping days doesn’t make sense. Retailers, for whom Christmas trade can be make or break, need support not having the carpet pulled from under them.

“A tenner for four to five hours parking, giving shoppers a chance to sit down and taste the Christmas fare, is a stretch in current times. But £15, £20, £25, what are councils and private operators thinking?

“The Government says it wants to rejuvenate town centres. The cost of shoppers’ parking is one of the places to start.”

Cambridge‘s Grand Arcade topped the list with charges up to £26.40 for just five hours.

Meanwhile, parking at Brighton Theatre would skin you by £24.75.

A government spokesman told The Sun: “We will set out details on a private parking code of practice as soon as possible.”

3

Elsewhere, warning notices were issued ahead of new £100 pavement parking fines in Glasgow.

The local authority started their crackdown on dangerous drivers just hours after the new law came into force on December 11.