Drivers using the park and ride car park in the new Handy X Hub will continue to enjoy free parking for the foreseeable future.

While parking meters have been installed in the car park adjacent to the coach station, they are currently out of use, which means users do not need to display a ticket.

And with the park and ride section acting as an overflow for the leisure centre's spaces, drivers could be tempted to head straight for the free section and avoid payment at the centre's multi-storey.

Wycombe District Council (WDC) has confirmed it manages the park and ride car park and spokesman Simon Farr told the BFP that income generation is not its main concern.

He said: “The park-and-ride car park at the Handy X Hub was built to attract visitors and businesses to High Wycombe, and help to reduce congestion on the town’s roads – its main function is not income generation.”

Parking is currently free to attract users and raise awareness about the park-and-ride service and facilities at the Handy X Hub, but users of the park-and-ride service do have to pay for their bus fare.”

Mr Farr said enforcement of the drop-off zone outside Wycombe Leisure Centre, which begins in June, will extend to the park & ride to deter motorists from leaving their vehicles in the car park overnight.

BFP readers have expressed their disappointment at having paid £50 for an annual parking permit, while their friends park for free.

Speaking about whether parking charges will eventually be introduced, Mr Farr said: “The council continues to monitor its parking arrangements, with a parking review to be carried out this year to assess parking management, demand for parking and to determine how we respond to meet the needs of our growing district.”