Allentown's solution for wayward motorists: boot camp  Road
Warrior  January 11, 2008|By Dan Hartzell Of The Morning Call
Q: I noticed a car parked in Allentown, and there was what
looked like an orange clamp on one wheel. What was this, and
what is the clamp used for?  Linda Saeger   A: That was a car
belonging to a long-term parking-ticket scofflaw, Linda, and the
clamp, often known as a "boot" or "Denver boot," is a device
preventing the motorist from moving the vehicle until the
outstanding fees are paid.  These boots are made for stopping,
Linda, and that's just what they do.  The 27-pound steel devices
prevent the clamped wheel from rotating, and severe damage would
result if a motorist even tried to drive a booted vehicle.
Allentown Parking Authority officers slap warning placards on
the windshield and the driver- and passenger-side windows in a
bid to ensure the affected motorist is aware of the situation.
If the vehicle owner, who's ultimately responsible, doesn't
respond to the Parking Authority w