Edinburgh council chiefs are considering a congestion charge for the capital - but the city's residents would be exempt.

Commuters and visitors would be charged for driving in the city under the plans.

A previous bid to introduce a congestion charge - including for residents - in Edinburgh failed in 2005 after a public vote.

But the SNP-Labour administration is now having a “fresh look” at the idea.

The council wants to reduce congestion and pollution in the Capital to meet a pledge for the city to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Transport and environment convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “Against the background of climate change and our 2030 target, we have to be brave about some of the conversations that are needed to change how this city operates.

“These conversations include at least examining some of the big ideals that could help to reduce car commuting from outside of the city.”

Environmental campaigners welcomed the consideration of a congestion charge in Edinburgh, which has some of the most polluted streets in Scotland.

A low emission zone will come into force in 2025, putting restrictions on the most polluting vehicles.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s air pollution campaigner, Gavin Thomson, said: “We need measures to reduce traffic and prioritise other road users across the whole of the city.

"Revenue raised from the congestion charge must be used to improve public transport and to make it easier to walk or cycle in the city.

"This will ensure a congestion charge benefits all residents and creates a fairer, healthier city.”

But the opposition Conservative party on the council is opposed to a charge.

Tory transport and environment spokesperson Cllr Nick Cook, said: “The SNP appear to have wasted no time in insulting the very people who just gave them an election mandate across Edinburgh the Lothians and Fife, by proposing to hammer hard-working commuters – most of whom simply have no financial choice but to live outside of the city."

Story by local democracy reporter David Bol