Locals in one of London's most expensive neighborhoods have accused traffic wardens of failing to address parking 'carnage' around a mosque during prayer times. An investigation by Express has revealed that wardens contracted by Transport for London (TFL) are regularly not issuing tickets for vehicles parked in restricted zones near the London Central Mosque by Regent's Park.
Residents Speak Out
One resident living near the mosque described the situation as a 'nightmare.' The anonymous local claimed there has been a 'hiatus' in ticket issuance and that parking restrictions are only 'infrequently enforced.' They alleged that enforcement on the red route, which prohibits stopping entirely or during certain hours, has not been carried out since the beginning of the year.
'On a couple of occasions, worshippers have just parked in the middle of the road because there's no parking,' the resident said.
Moiz Siddiqui, 80, said he has scraped his car twice while trying to navigate past vehicles parked on his street. 'What can we do? We just keep complaining to the people in the mosque that they should discourage people to leave their cars,' he said. When asked if traffic wardens are doing enough, he replied, 'I don't think so.'
TFL and Mosque Respond
A TFL spokesperson acknowledged a 'temporary disruption' to parking enforcement due to a change in contractor. London Central Mosque stated that enforcement is up to the authorities but that it understands residents' concerns and encourages worshippers to comply with regulations.
Express witnessed parking issues over three separate Friday afternoons, the busiest time for prayers. Wardens were repeatedly seen failing to ticket vehicles stopped on red routes or double yellow lines. Only one ticket was observed, where a driver was told they had stopped 'one minute too long.'
Parking Restrictions and Observations
Double red lines prohibit stopping at any time, while single red lines restrict stopping between 8am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. Exceptions apply for Blue Badge holders, taxis, and private hire vehicles. Most cars seen stopping did not display Blue Badges or appear to be taxis.
Worshippers admitted parking is an issue. One said there are insufficient parking spaces at the mosque, with surrounding streets permit-only or on restricted lines. They noted no tension between worshippers and locals.
Local Measures and Contractor Update
Residents have taken measures such as installing plastic barriers to prevent gate blocking. Signs warn against parking, but vehicles were still seen parked illegally. Contractors Marston Holdings, appointed for red route enforcement, aims for full mobilization later this month. A TFL spokesperson confirmed regular patrols will resume.
A Westminster City Council source said the authority enforces nearby roads strongly, including extra patrols at peak times, and has held positive discussions with the mosque about public transport use. The London Mayor's office did not respond to a request for comment.
