Churchgoers were fined £30 each for parking in a Dundee University car park during Sunday service.
Gate Church worshippers claim they have used the empty spaces near Perth Road for weeks without facing penalties, despite the signs warning cars without a valid permit will be ticketed.
The university targeted motorists on Sunday, issuing parking charges while parishioners were taking part in a service, prompting outcry from some worshippers.
Bill Hammond, of Monifieth, said: “It’s a nasty way of picking up money, to target people who are in church.
“I think it’s pretty sneaky, to be honest. There must have been 20 cars in the car park with tickets when people came out of the service.
“We’ve been using it for weeks and weeks and never had any problem. Now, all of a sudden, everybody is getting tickets.
“They do have signs up you’re supposed to phone and pay by mobile. My wife has one but she doesn’t take it to church and a lot of elderly people don’t have one at all.”
Bill’s wife Maureen added: “We’ve been parking there for nearly a year and we thought it was just Monday to Friday for the charges. It was a bit of a shock when I saw the ticket when we came out of church.
“I think £30 is a bit much but we’ll have to pay it we don’t have any option.”
Gate Church pastor Gordon Stewart said they had asked to rent the university’s car park on Sundays.
“Our request was turned down,” he added. “This unfortunately means that those wishing to park in Dundee University car parks do need to pay the displayed parking charges.”
A spokesman Dundee University said: “The university car parks are not public car parks and regulations relating to use are clearly displayed, including the penalties for parking without a valid permit.
“Staff and students are required to display a valid permit to use the car parks, including at weekends.”
He added: “We are happy to discuss with local community groups how we may be able to help them in certain circumstances.”