Mixed messages from the council over parking in the new Handy X Hub in High Wycombe have caused confusion and led to dangerous behaviour by motorists around the leisure centre and park and ride.

The BFP reported last week that drop-off points outside the £25 million Wycombe Leisure Centre were being abused by motorists who were parking in the short-term spaces to park for free for long periods rather than paying to park in the multi-storey car park.

This is despite a sign indicating spaces are to be used for drop off only, although it does not say how long cars can wait there.

It means those wanting to use the spaces for their intended purpose are being forced to stop in the middle of the road, blocking cars behind.

One gym-goer said he had been using the drop off point to park his car for a while as he had never been given a ticket or reprimanded.

He said: “I used to pay for parking in the car park but then I saw everyone else parking in these bays for free so I started doing it too.

“I do it because I can, and so can everyone else.”

There are reports of both sides of the new road towards Waitrose being completely blocked at busy times such as weekday evenings.

The BFP also revealed this week there would be no charges for users of the Park & Ride car park for the foreseeable future even though parking meters have been installed, since according to Wycombe District Council (WDC), income generation is not its main purpose.

With the park and ride section acting as an overflow car park 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.

WDC spokesman Simon Farr confirmed parking outside the leisure centre and in the park and ride will be enforced from the start of June when traffic wardens will begin patrolling the area and issuing tickets to those breaking parking rules.

Park and ride users will get a ticket if they leave their vehicles in the car park overnight.

BFP readers 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.”