THE row over proposals to introduce a parking permit scheme in Russells Hall has reached the corridors of power in Europe.

West Midlands MEP Nikki Sinclaire has joined calls to put the brakes on the scheme, which would require residents on streets near the hospital to pay £95 to park on the road outside their homes and buy books of tickets for visitors.

The former UKIP MEP who now represents the We Demand a Referendum Party says the scheme, which is designed to combat on street parking by hospital staff and visitors, should be scrapped.

Nikki Sinclaire said: “This just hasn't been thought through. Who thinks up these policies?

“I don't agree with these residents parking schemes - the Labour party talking about the cost of living crisis, yet putting more unnecessary burden onto ordinary people.

“If there is a problem with people parking in the surrounding areas, then they should review the parking charges at the hospital itself.

“I'd offer any assistance to residents looking to fight back against residential parking space charges.”

The Labour-run Dudley Council plan is currently open for initial public consultation.

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for transportation, said: “Residents living near the hospital have been asking Dudley Council to look at resident permits to help with on-street parking for sometime and that is why this consultation is taking place.

“Ultimately it will be the residents who will decide if this scheme is right for them as there will need to be an 80 per cent uptake in favour of the permits in order for it to go ahead.”