Wheel clamp

Wheel clamp‏‎, also known as a Denver boot, a wheel boot, or a parking boot, is a device that is designed to prevent motor vehicles from being moved. It is often used by municipal authorities to enforce parking compliance and by parking lot owners to deter unauthorized or unpaid parking.

History

The wheel clamp, as we know it today, was invented and patented in 1944 by Frank Marugg. Marugg was a pattern maker, a violinist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, and a friend to many Denver politicians and police department officials. The device was originally intended to help Denver law enforcement with enforcing parking violations and was hence named the "Denver boot".

Design and Operation

A typical wheel clamp consists of a clamp that surrounds the vehicle wheel, designed to prevent removal of both itself and the wheel. In its most common form, it evolves a clamp that surrounds a vehicle wheel, designed to prevent removal of both itself and the wheel. In some designs, this is augmented with a plate that locks against the vehicle's tire tread. Some wheel clamps are designed to fit particular vehicle sizes, while others are more universal and can be adjusted to fit any wheel.

Usage

Wheel clamps are used by both public-sector and private-sector entities. Municipal authorities often use wheel clamps to enforce parking regulations, particularly in areas where parking spaces are limited or where illegal parking is a common problem. Private-sector entities, such as parking lot owners and operators, may also use wheel clamps to deter unauthorized or unpaid parking.

Controversies

The use of wheel clamps has been controversial. Critics argue that they are overly punitive, often disproportionately affecting those who are unable to pay parking fines. There have also been instances where wheel clamps have been used fraudulently by individuals posing as municipal authorities in order to extort money.

Legal Status

The legal status of wheel clamps varies by jurisdiction. In some places, they are legal and widely used, while in others, their use is restricted or banned outright. For example, in 2012, the use of wheel clamps on private land was banned in England and Wales.

See Also

• Parking violation
• Vehicle impoundment
• Tow truck

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