Is the Boot a Better Alternative than a Tow for the Driving Public?

Last Updated on February 22, 2018 by Lawrence Berezin

The Boot delivers an alternative to a tow

The Boot, after a successful run in Brooklyn and Queens, has hit Broadway. The powers-to-be perceived a bright-colored metal object immobilizing your chariot was less horrifying than an empty parking space and a cab ride to the pound.

I wrote about the early days when it was like a valium compared to a tow’s LSD. Kenny G versus Guns ‘N Roses. The lesser of two evils.

The boot is here to stay, for at least as long as it takes the Evil Empire to capture all the scofflaws.

The yellow metal object in review

Here’s the Evil Empire’s lighthearted romp through the booting process (Don’t be fooled. Accumulate $350 in unpaid parking tickets in judgment, and a cartoon character will not be the one to slap on a yellow metal object).

Commentary

Please share your experience with the yellow metal object. Was it better than a trip to the pound? Or does the process come with a different set of evils? Love to hear from you because it will help all of us understand what to expect.

[Larry’s update: The NYC boot has morphed from a benign immobilization device into a money-grabbing fundraiser for the Evil Empire. The first purpose was to give drivers an alternative to the death march to the impound yard. Now, the Evil Empire will immobilize your chariot and attach a flyer warning that if you do not remove the boot within 2-hours, your car will be towed.

This means you pay for the yellow metal immobilizer ($185) and pay again for the tow ($185). This dastardly behavior is draconian and not based on any parking law or rule I can find.

I’ve written all the usual suspects and have not received a reply citing the law or rule that empowers the police to execute this double dipping strategy.

Please, if you get struck by the boot and tow, contact your city council representative. This bad behavior must be stopped.