By Eirian Jane Prosser
(XFORD MAIL) A NEW low traffic system is causing issues for Muslims attending their local Mosque.
The controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods [LTNs] scheme was introduced to Church Cowley, Temple Cowley, and Florence Park in March by Oxfordshire County Council as an attempt to reduce air pollution and promote an active lifestyle.
Some Muslims in Oxford have said since the scheme was introduced, however, they have had several issues getting to the Mosque on Manzil Way in Cowley, and are worried that the possible introduction of LTNs to East Oxford will only make matters worse.
If the East Oxford LTN goes ahead more traffic filters will be placed on the ‘rat runs’ between Cowley Road and Iffley Road.
Maz Dogar, who lives on Mayfair Road, said he was concerned about missing Jumu’ah – the prayer that takes place every Friday.
He said: “The critical thing is, that we have five fixed prayer times in the Muslim calendar – they are not variable, they cannot take place at other times.
“Our most important prayer takes place on a Friday and if these new East Oxford LTNs are passed, it will quickly become a nightmare for people getting there on time.”
According to the 2011 Government census, there are over 10,000 Muslims in Oxford. – meaning is Islam is the second most popular religion in the city, after Christianity.
In Oxford alone, there are four Mosques, each located nearby to where LTNs are installed or proposed to go.
Mr Dogar said that he is also concerned that children, who attend after school lessons to learn the Quran at the Mosque’s, will be missing out as ‘increase in traffic’ means parents run out of time to take their child home and back to the Mosque for class.
Nisar Sadiq, who also attends the Manzil Way Mosque, said: “I know no Oxford like the back of my hand, and we do not have a good grid system for the roads – instead you have these three major roads, Iffley Road, Cowley Road, and St Clements.
