Sabot de Denver and other Paris, France Warning Or Danger Tips

Of course, you CAN drive in Paris. Contrary to what is often said, driving is not a problem, drivers are not a problem. The traffic is not more difficult to handle than in any other city, drivers are neither nicest nor worst than anywhere else, but, however, I strongly advise you to avoid driving in Paris. A car will be more a burden than any help as the public transport system is very efficient while parking is always a challenge. Parking your car is always a big problem. As you won't find any place to park, you might be tempted to park at a forbidden spot. Then, you might find your car tied up in a nice (!) "sabot de Denver" (colloquial name in France for a wheel clamp or Denver boot) fitted on the front wheel of your car ! I do not know exactly how much is the fine to remove it but it is heavy !

A special thank to Jeff (VT Seabiscuit) who wrote the following note on the history of the wheel clamp.
The Denver Boot was invented in 1953 by a gentleman by the name of Frank Marugg. Besides being an inventor, he was a musician with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, and a pattern maker. He was a friend to many politicians and police department officials in Denver.
The Denver Sheriff's Department came to him to ask for help with their parking enforcement problem. Frank and the Sheriff decided to build a device to immobilize vehicles whose owners didn’t pay their outstanding parking tickets. He invented and patented the Denver Boot.
Frank was quite a guy, he could build almost anything, he even made his own violin, which he played for the Denver Symphony. The Denver Boot was only one of his brilliant inventions. (Ed. Note: And one of his worst).
Jeff-

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