IMPROVING PARKING COMPLIANCE WITH A BETTER ALTERNATIVE TO TOWING

“We’re completely satisfied with our parking compliance rates” is not a phrase heard often on college campuses. Like many universities across the country, the University of Iowa faced ongoing challenges with unpaid parking citations and habitual violators. As fines continued to accumulate and traditional enforcement methods proved less effective, the university knew it was time for a change.

Their goal was simple: improve compliance, reduce repeat offenses, and create a better experience for everyone involved, including both motorists and parking enforcement staff.

Looking Beyond Towing

For years, the University of Iowa relied on towing as a primary enforcement tool for drivers who accumulated significant unpaid fines. Under university policy, motorists who owed $200 or more in citations were subject to having their vehicles towed.

While towing can be an effective enforcement measure, it often creates frustration for everyone involved. Drivers must locate and retrieve their vehicles, pay towing and storage fees, and deal with the inconvenience of being without transportation. For enforcement officers, coordinating tows can be time-consuming and can sometimes lead to tense interactions with upset motorists.

The conversation around towing versus alternative enforcement methods wasn’t limited to the university campus. During discussions involving Iowa City leaders, officials examined the question of whether towing should remain the standard response to parking violations and explored ways to create a better overall experience for residents. If your car gets towed, it is around an 8-mile walk that takes a little over 3 hours to get to. The discussion focused on balancing accountability with fairness and finding solutions that are effective without being unnecessarily disruptive.

The University of Iowa faced the same question: Is there a better way than towing that also educates people?

 A Better Alternative

Seeking a safer, more efficient, and less disruptive solution, the University of Iowa turned to The Barnacle®.

Unlike traditional enforcement methods, The Barnacle is a lightweight windshield-mounted immobilization device that can be deployed in just a few minutes. At only 17 pounds, it allows parking enforcement officers to quickly address violations without waiting for a tow truck or arranging vehicle impoundment.

The benefits extend beyond efficiency. Once the violation is resolved, motorists can remove the device themselves by following a simple release process. Instead of tracking down an impounded vehicle or waiting for assistance, drivers can get back on the road much faster.

The Solution that Sticks

Since implementing The Barnacle®, the University of Iowa has experienced several key benefits:

Increased Compliance

The Barnacle serves as a highly visible reminder that parking regulations matter. Habitual violators quickly learn that repeated non-compliance has consequences, helping the university reduce violations and encourage responsible parking behavior.

Better Experience for Motorists

Instead of dealing with the expense and inconvenience of towing, motorists have a simpler path to resolving their violations. The self-release process allows drivers to address the issue and move on with their day.

Improved Efficiency

Because enforcement officers no longer need to spend time coordinating and waiting for tow trucks, they can focus on managing campus parking operations more effectively.

Enhanced Safety

Reducing dependence on towing lowers the potential for confrontational interactions and allows parking staff to perform their jobs more safely and efficiently.

More Than Enforcement

At the University of Iowa, parking enforcement is about more than collecting revenue. The ultimate goal is education and compliance. Either they stop parking illegally, or they will face the Barnacle every time. Every citation represents an opportunity for a motorist to learn, adjust their behavior, and avoid future violations.

The Barnacle® supports that mission by providing accountability without creating unnecessary hardships. It’s a modern solution that encourages drivers to follow parking regulations while offering a more convenient and less punitive experience than traditional towing.

Lori Skoff, who oversees parking operations at the University of Iowa, has been a strong advocate for the program and its results. The university’s experience demonstrates that innovative parking enforcement can improve compliance, increase operational efficiency, and create a better experience for both motorists and enforcement staff.

For the University of Iowa, The Barnacle® isn’t just an alternative to towing; it’s a smarter way to solve the habitual violator problem.