A worshipper has voiced anger over parking fines handed out during Eid celebrations at an Oxford Islamic centre.
Wissal Hassi labelled the charges as borderline Islamophobia, explaining that her own mother was forced to remain seated inside the family car throughout the religious gathering.
A large portion of Oxford’s Muslim community convened at the Central Oxford Mosque on Friday, March 20, for Eid prayers marking the end of the 30-day Ramadan fasting period.
The service began at 9:30am, when Ms Hassi noticed a parking attendant present at the location.
She described how the sheer volume of attendees meant some drivers had no choice but to leave their vehicles on double yellow lines or briefly near the mosque entrance.
An enforcement officer subsequently issued penalties to worshippers despite their vehicles being there only temporarily.
When she questioned the officer, he apparently informed her that the local authority had specifically instructed him to attend the mosque on Eid specifically to issue fines.
The parking penalties amounted to roughly £35, with Ms Hassi explaining she only avoided receiving one because her mother chose to remain inside the vehicle rather than participate in the service.
She stated the situation was disrespectful and bordered on Islamophobia.
She argued that given the religious significance of the event and how briefly people intended to park, special arrangements should have been made.
Oxfordshire County Council responded that their parking staff were carrying out routine patrols.
A council representative said the authority recognised Eid’s significance and that attendance at the mosque increased substantially on this day.
Balancing parking provision during such events created challenges for both those attending and local residents, the spokesperson added.
They clarified that enforcement measures were not aimed at any specific place of worship or community.
Officers were deployed based on anticipated parking demand and the need to address traffic obstruction, rather than to intentionally issue fines, they noted.
A Central Oxford Mosque representative said the surrounding environment held deep importance to their faith tradition.
Trustees had authorised free parking for all NHS staff working at Manzil Way, with particular support extended to hard-working nurses, they explained.
The mosque encouraged worshippers to avoid parking on yellow lines, as neighbours’ wellbeing was a priority.
While acknowledging parking pressures existed, efforts were underway to minimise these difficulties for their community, the spokesperson stated.
This was not the first time parking problems had been highlighted at this venue.
In 2023, campaigns urged the council to temporarily lift parking restrictions for one hour during Friday prayers and on Eid.
The Central Oxford Mosque can seat up to 2,000 worshippers, with its own parking facilities able to hold roughly 80 vehicles, based on 2023 information.