Staff and visitors who dump their cars in unofficial spaces at Russells Hall Hospital blocking ambulances and other vehicles are being reminded they could be landed with a £30 fine as part of a crackdown on illegal parking.

The new get-tough approach was introduced by Dudley Hospitals NHS Trust earlier this year following complaints that lives are being put at risk because of the inconsiderate actions of drivers who don’t want to pay for official hospital car parks or are running late for appointments.

Under the new system red lines have been painted in certain parts of the hospital site where illegal parking is a particular problem.

The regulations cover vehicles parked in disabled spaces not displaying the right badges, those parked on pavements and footpaths, cars left on crossings and those blocking the path of other vehicles.

Anyone caught flouting the rules can be handed a £30 fine which is cut to £15 if paid within 14 days.

Trust Chief Executive Paul Farenden said: “We have an obligation to ensure the safe and continued operation of the site.”

Car parking at Russells Hall has been an ongoing issue with visitors accused of clogging up residential streets in a bid to avoid the on-site parking fees.

Earlier this year the council’s planners gave the go-ahead for a new 600-space multi-storey car park at the rear of the site which it is hoped will ease the current nightmare for staff and patients.