By MONICA MORALES | @monicamoralestv Staff reporter

5:41 p.m. EST, December 2, 2011
UPPER WEST SIDE, NY (PIX11)—
The NYPD is cracking down on Muslim cab drivers who have been illegally parking in front of an Upper West Side cultural center during Friday prayers.

After angry residents told PIX11 about their street turning into a yellow cab parking lot once a week, NYPD tow trucks showed up on W. 72nd St. Friday to haul away taxis, while officers gave tickets.

"I don't know why they are giving me a ticket," asked on cabbie who did not want to be identified.

Some residents who are fed up with the weekly gathering of yellow cabs are grateful that the city has taken notice.

"Finally police are here. No more sea of yellow thanks to PIX11 News," said John Hart, a long-time Upper West Side resident who lives across from the Islamic Cultural Center that gives the prayer services.

The Imam of the Islamic Cultural Center, Abdur Rahman, said he reminds worshipers to watch where they park, but hopes the City will allow them to pause and pray. "On Sunday Christians get a parking reprieve. Why not us?" asked Rahman.