Some users of a High Wycombe’s new leisure centre appear to be abusing the car parking system, after motorists were seen using short-term drop off points to park for free for long periods.

The drop off zone in front of Wycombe Leisure Centre is regularly being used for free parking by users to avoid paying parking charges in the centre’s own car park, despite a sign clearly stating that the spaces are to be used for drop off only.

This 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.

Just this morning, only three out of 11 cars seen by the BFP parking on both sides of the road, were displaying valid parking permits issued by the centre, and no enforcement officer was seen checking the vehicles.

And drivers also seem to be ignoring double yellow lines on the opposite side to the centre.

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.

Wycombe District Council has confirmed it is not responsible for the enforcement at the spot.

Bucks County Council and Places for People Leisure, who manage the centre, have been contacted for a comment but it is unclear if the county council or Places for People Leisure is responsible for the enforcement.