by Alex Lloyd Gross
Philadelphia City Council is working to pass legislation to regulate barnacles that make it all but impossible for drivers to move a vehicle once it is put on. This device uses suction cups to attach to the windshield over a vehicle and it makes driving all but impossible. It can only be taken off with a key or a code. Any attempt to force it off will result in a busted windshield.
Barnacles are used by towing companies to skirt around the towing law that requires a ticket to be issued by police first before a vehicle can be towed.
That law came about from predatory practices by unscrupulous tow truck companies that employ spotters to look for vehicles. Explained simply, DVN Towing has a contact to tow cars from a parking lot that has (for example) 10 stores in it. When a person parks in the lot and goes into one of the 10 stores, they are fine. However, if they also go across the street to a different establishment, not in the lot, a spotter will contact a driver who is right around the corner. Instead of towing the car, the driver will put a barnacle on the windshield.
The cost to remove can reach $300.00 in some instances. At times, the driver will remove it for a lesser price paid in cash.
Technically, the driver did leave their car in a lot when they went across the street. Even if it was only for five minutes. This practice is ruthless and is predatory. Someone that parks in the lot, goes to none of the stores but enjoys shopping down the block is who should be targeted.
The initiative, led by Councilwoman Cindy Bass is long overdue and could close the loophole. There has to be a happy medium between someone who shops in a store, yet runs across the street for something to the flagrant parker who thinks they can park with impunity. This issue will be regulated by late spring, according to city council.