Our story about the city of Bangor planning a new approach to parking violations by using a “Barnacle” that attaches to a car’s windshield with suction cups sparked strong reactions from readers.
On both social media and the Bangor Daily News’ website, our audience asked about the logistics of the new parking enforcement plan, wondering if residents should have had more of a say in the new approach, and thinking of ways to foil the efficacy of the new tool.
Numerous commenters also referenced a scene from “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” in which Jim Carrey’s character drives with his head out the window of his car, pointing to it a solution to the “Barnacle” being placed on their windshield.
Here’s some of what you had to say.
“The yellow Boot, also was supposed to make the vehicle unmoveable. [If] the city is purchasing these, maybe the tax-payers should have a voice in this ? The parking-meter enforcement is still going to have to pay a person to attach the Barnacle to the vehicle.” – BDN commenter NG
“This will, along with the complicated parking lot system, will END our trips downtown. Don’t mind paying a fine if I’ve screwed up when/where I park but I’m not going through this riagamorole.” – BDN commenter GT
“I have questions: A quick internet search yielded an informative website, https://www.barnacleparking.com/ that specifically does not mention actual sales of the devices, but rather a subscription-lease type of transaction with entities interested in parking enforcement. (There’s an app included so that people can immediately pay to remove the device.) For $300 a month, you too can have a Barnacle! Charge whatever you like and keep anything above the monthly cost. You can even let people off the hook for free. Intriguing. Think of the TikTok prank videos! The city likely did not purchase one, and certainly not for $5000-$10,000. So what is the financial agreement? A two or three year lease?” – BDN commenter CP
“Bangor is so good at wasting our money. Do these work in the winter when there’s ice or water on the windshield?” – Unnamed BDN commenter
“Average price of a windshield, $250-400…. cool yellow conversation piece in your garage….priceless!” – John R. Sinclair (Facebook)
“So what was wrong with the ‘boot?’ City spending money on ‘problems’ that already had a solution.” – Jobi Beno (Facebook)
“Why does it seem like Bangor uses parking as it’s #1 revenue generator?” – Reg Bamford (Facebook)
“Yeah, thats a great idea. Let’s fine vehicle owners / tax payer and hijack their vehicles and charge them even more and ignore the MANY other issues facing the city of Bangor. Great job, guys.” – brandon.w.21 (Instagram)
“Is this The Onion?” – pocketsarejustsnackholes (Instagram)
“Well how long till I see someone driving to highway with their head out the window (with a laugh-crying emoji)” – mellowmaineiac207 (Instagram)
“Just what Bangor needs. Immovable vehicles in ready limited parking zones. There’s like 30 parking spots downtown (with a laugh-crying emoji)” – _garythatbeardedguy_ (Instagram)
