NYPD to Start Applying Barnacle Devices to Illegally Parked Trucks
At this point you have probably heard the statistics for truck parking: 10 or so spots for every commercial vehicle, how drivers may spend an hour or more looking for a spot, and how often truckers park illegally to be able to avoid the risk of driving while fatigued. The New York Police Department (NYPD) does not understand the trucker plight, and as such is cracking down on those who park illegally.
Details
New York City has been cracking down on truck parking since 2022, but it now has a new weapon in its repertoire.
It goes without saying that parking illegally is bad. However, considering the alternative of driving sleepy, illegal truck parking is usually the lesser of two evils. In fighting illegal parking, the NYPD has started implementing a device called a “barnacle” that was until now used for four-wheelers.
Essentially, a barnacle is a large plastic barrier that applies 1000 pounds of force to a windshield when it is turned on, making it impossible to drive (safely). The only way to turn the device off is to pay the fine and enter the code. Whatever credit card used to pay the fine is then put in a hold until the barnacle is returned.
The Implications
If the fine money is being used to build more truck parking spaces to prevent the need for using barnacles in the first place, we might be in support of it. However, it is hard to trace exactly where the money from truckers paying for parking illegally is going, so it may just come across as another “revenue enhancement measure” that targets commercial vehicles.
This is not the first time a city has implemented a temporary solution to the difficult truck parking problem, as Minneapolis did in 2021, and it certainly will not be the last.
Conclusion
New York City is one of the places with the most stringent trucking regulations in the nation, and this change will only exacerbate the issue. Our advice to you is if you plan to deliver to or from New York City, to do so at the beginning of your work day to minimize headaches from finding a proper parking spot at the Big Apple.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
