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'Barnacle' windscreen blocker pitched as alternative to wheel clamping (+ video)

Attaches to windscreen via suction

How’s this for a cycle lane parking deterrent? A great big limpet that obscures the driver’s view.

Wheel clamping is costly, awkward and time-consuming, but ETA reports on an alternative. Secured with suction via an in-built pump, the Barnacle is said to be almost impossible to remove.

The lightweight device is easy to apply and also boasts an anti-tamper alarm. If you find one on your windscreen, you simply pay your fine over the phone after which you will be given a code to remove it. You then have 24 hours to return it to a drop-off location to avoid another fine.

The manufacturers claim the Barnacle makes parking enforcement easier for all parties involved: administrators, enforcement personnel and the offending driver. They’re currently priced at $499 (around £385).

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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17 comments

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Colin Peyresourde | 7 years ago
0 likes

In order to stop the modern driver wouldn't you need to apply one to their mobile phone as well? That would at least get them looking up long enough for them to realise their windscreen was blocked  

 

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The _Kaner | 7 years ago
1 like

It should have a tazer option, if you input the code incorretly 3 times, whilst trying to hack/crack it...

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brooksby | 7 years ago
2 likes

Dear road.cc - can we have a screenshot for those of us who don't want to watch the video pitch?

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The _Kaner replied to brooksby | 7 years ago
0 likes

brooksby wrote:

Dear road.cc - can we have a screenshot for those of us who don't want to watch the video pitch?

Avatar
brooksby replied to The _Kaner | 7 years ago
0 likes

The _Kaner wrote:

brooksby wrote:

Dear road.cc - can we have a screenshot for those of us who don't want to watch the video pitch?

Thanks  1 with the name I had expected it to be more round, and couldn't see how it would completely block the driver's vision.

That said, I'm sure that some would just carry on driving while looking out the side window or around the barnacle (even if they looked stupid whilst doing it). 

Immobilisation with a boot (or, arguably, a sledgehammer) is still the best option, IMO.

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emishi55 | 7 years ago
3 likes

Otherwise... 

 

"Stop a Douchebag"  Ep.17 - Sticker For the Lady

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHJxIwvFIGY&feature=youtu.be

Avatar
tritecommentbot replied to emishi55 | 7 years ago
0 likes

emishi55 wrote:

Otherwise... 

 

"Stop a Douchebag"  Ep.17 - Sticker For the Lady

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHJxIwvFIGY&feature=youtu.be

 

Loved every second of that!

 

 

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet replied to emishi55 | 7 years ago
0 likes
emishi55 wrote:

Otherwise... 

 

"Stop a Douchebag"  Ep.17 - Sticker For the Lady

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHJxIwvFIGY&feature=youtu.be

LOL at that last one. I knew school was a waste of time, should have been earning blowjob money instead!

Avatar
burtthebike replied to emishi55 | 7 years ago
0 likes

emishi55 wrote:

Otherwise... 

 

"Stop a Douchebag"  Ep.17 - Sticker For the Lady

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHJxIwvFIGY&feature=youtu.be

F*cking Awesome!

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MikeOnABike | 7 years ago
0 likes

Was the Christian Bale from American Hustle vibe intentional?

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fustuarium | 7 years ago
5 likes

Excellent idea. I will put one of these on every car that is covering the pavement when I walk the kids to school. How heavy will 50 of them be to carry?

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124g | 7 years ago
0 likes

No problem for Ace

 

https://youtu.be/Iy4cME1aeWk

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BlodadTand | 7 years ago
0 likes

It's a good job that cars don't have windows that drivers could open and lean out of to see.

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Hamster replied to BlodadTand | 7 years ago
4 likes

BlodadTand wrote:

It's a good job that cars don't have windows that drivers could open and lean out of to see.

Driving with your windscreen obscured also attracts points and an invoice nowadays. Going from a civil offence to a criminal one wouldn't be the smartest move but who knows...

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rggfddne replied to Hamster | 7 years ago
1 like

Hamster wrote:

BlodadTand wrote:

It's a good job that cars don't have windows that drivers could open and lean out of to see.

Driving with your windscreen obscured also attracts points and an invoice nowadays. Going from a civil offence to a criminal one wouldn't be the smartest move but who knows...

Hahahaha... I'll take that bet come wintertime.

Maybe they should go further, spray a fine vodka mist in the cabin.

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
1 like

Just watched that without sound. Is it a joke or just an American idea?

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Dr_Lex replied to Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
1 like

Yorkshire wallet wrote:

[...] Is it a joke or just an American idea?

//s3.amazonaws.com/rapgenius/1363126452_taco-girl-meme-generator-why-not-both-6ec00b.jpg)

 

Wonder how many affected drivers would be using their insurer's "free" windscreen replacement service to avoid the unlocking fee.

 

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