Drivers have been warned they could see new congestion charges introduced in Scotland under new proposals aimed at tackling pollution.
Reports suggest that Edinburgh City Council has started looking at whether the Scottish capital could benefit from further driving restrictions.
The proposed daily toll has reignited debates over whether the measures could be used to tackle air pollution caused by petrol and diesel cars.
The city had previously rejected plans for a congestion charge in 2005, with suggestions that drivers should pay £2 to enter the city.
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The council amended the City Mobility Plan last year, which could allow the council to explore new road charges.
Councillor Chas Booth said at the time: "There is an opportunity today to start a conversation about road user charging. Let's start that conversation.
"I'm delighted Edinburgh has agreed to start conversations about congestion charging with other councils.
"It's absolutely clear that Edinburgh will not meet its commitments to address the climate emergency unless we take bold action to encourage people to choose more sustainable alternatives to the private car."
The council is now awaiting confirmation from Transport Scotland on whether it can introduce new road charging
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Currently, the city operates its own Low Emission Zone, which acts as a daily barrier preventing more polluting vehicles from travelling in the city.
Drivers who fail to meet the emission standards are fined £60, which can double to £120 if unpaid.
London and Oxford are the only cities across the UK to operate a congestion charge, with the latter being introduced in October last year.
Motorists in Oxford have to pay £5 per day to drive through six specific, camera-enforced locations.
In response to Edinburgh's decision to explore a congestion charge, Lothians MSP Miles Briggs said he was "really concerned" about the impact of the daily fee.
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Edinburgh City Council revealed that road charging would help tackle air pollution
| GETTYHe told STV: "This was overwhelmingly rejected by the population of Edinburgh back in 2005 - but it is now being brought back by councillors to try and develop almost as a stealth tax.
"The council is undertaking a consultation on this, yet it's quite clear they do not want to put this to the people. I want to make sure the public is aware of this, so we have an opportunity to say 'no' before it is snuck in through the back door."
He warned people do not want to see additional taxes, adding that it's not right given the cost of living crisis.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson warned that tackling congestion was "one of the biggest challenges" facing Edinburgh.
The Congestion Charge was introduced in London first, with a similar scheme launched in Oxford
| PAHe shared: "Over the last three years, this administration has chosen to invest in solutions that actually reduce congestion: delivering major active travel projects, introducing a fully electric cycle hire scheme, leading a regional electric vehicle charging partnership, and seeing consistent growth in tram and bus use."
Mr Jenkinson explained that simply creating more road space and "clinging to an outdated 'car first' mindset is short-sighted, finite and ultimately counter-productive, it doesn't solve congestion, it entrenches it".
The council is currently waiting to see the outcome of Transport Scotland's regulatory review, which will determine whether it has the power to take consider congestion charges.
"As our city continues to grow, we need bold, evidence-led solutions that put people first - and I'm confident that this approach is the right one for residents, businesses and the future of our city," Mr Jenkinson added.