Every now and then when driving around town you see a yellow metal cap wrapped around a car’s wheel. A clear sign of an unpaid parking ticket. Well, the wheel boot may soon be a thing of the past as a new invention comes into play: the Barnacle.
How does one even get a boot on their car? Well, according to the Denver Police Department, boots are placed on vehicles that have three or more outstanding violations against them. Once the boot is placed on the car you have 72 hours to pay all fines or the vehicle will be towed to the impound lot. There are a few problems with the boot though. Aside from just being an annoyance, they are actually very hard to install and can damage the car. In order to install the boot, the technician must be in the street and exposed to danger. Additionally once you do pay your fines it can take up to a few hours for someone to come and remove the boot. The Barnacle Parking Enforcement aims to solve some of these issues.
The Barnacle is a 6 square foot piece of heavy duty plastic that is adhered to the windshield with suction cups that suction at 700 lbs. The Barnacle is equipped with a GPS siren so the car cannot be moved without sounding alarm. So, what are the benefits to you and what are the benefits to the city? If you do find a Barnacle on your car there will be a number to call written on it. All you have to do is call the number and pay your fines with a credit card and they will give you a password to unlock the Barnacle. Once you key in the code the device will release and you can fold it up and put it in the back of your car. You have 24 hours to return the barnacle to any convenient drop off location including police and fire stations. This device helps you get on your way faster and protects your car. For the police the installation of the device is much easier and safer than the traditional boot. Additionally they are lighter and easier so fewer deployment vehicles are needed.
No one likes to have a boot put on their car, but maybe this device will make the experience a little better. Though we don’t handle parking fines at Franklin D. Azar & Associates, we do handle all types of car accidents. If you do find yourself in a car accident call today for a free consultation and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
