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The NYPD Transit Department has launched a pilot program using a visibility blocking device called “Barnacle” to combat the issue of bad parking in the city. This yellow plastic artifact is being implemented in various parts of Queens and targets commercial and heavy transport vehicles that violate parking regulations.
Weighing close to eight kilograms and equipped with “vacuum adhesion” technology, Barnacle promises to be an effective solution against parking violations, complicating the routine of drivers who do not abide by traffic rules.
The mechanism of Barnacle is simple yet effective: it adheres to the vehicle’s windshield, completely obstructing the driver’s vision until the corresponding fine is paid and a code is provided to unlock it. Violators must also pay a deposit of $200, which will be refunded upon correct return of the device to designated points.
New York City is implementing these actions as part of a broader effort to control and reduce traffic congestion, following initiatives such as toll rates in Manhattan. The city aims to replicate the success of programs used in other large cities like London to improve the quality of life for residents and traffic flow.
Parking violation fines in New York City range from $45 to $125 depending on the offense, according to the official website.
Barnacle Parking, based in New Jersey, developed the modern system to streamline improper parking penalties. This allows drivers to remove the lock on their vehicles themselves after paying the fine. The process involves scanning a QR code on the device, entering the vehicle registration number, and making the payment to receive a unique code to unlock the device.
Colin J. Heffron, executive president of Barnacle Parking, explained that the system aims to offer a more autonomous and efficient solution for managing parking penalties.
In addition to penalizing bad parking, the system incorporates alarm and GPS location technology to monitor immobilized vehicles, increasing consequences for unauthorized attempts to move the vehicle. If a driver tries to move the vehicle, police will be notified immediately, and the offender can be arrested within 20 to 30 seconds.
