RICHMOND, Va. – Parking rules went out the door with the storm that dumped over a foot of snow in some parts.
In Washington D.C., there have been horror stories about parking tickets and towed cars. The district was under a parking ban when the snowstorm hit, so plows could get through the streets.
More than 5,000 $250-dollar tickets were issued and nearly 700 vehicles were towed.
In Richmond, folk fared better through the chaos.
On an ordinary day, Standard Parking representatives wouldn’t think twice about issuing drivers a ticket if they deserved it.
But during this recent snow storm, the company, working with the city, suspended ticket enforcement because of the elements.
That’s a relief to drivers like Deanna Buyie, who parked along Broad Street.
“I don't think we should be penalized for this, for something we can't help,” she said.
Standard Parking has not handed out any tickets since the storm for people parking illegally, but they said on Thursday they kicked back into enforcement mode.
While they will still be lenient with drivers because of the elements, they do want folks to avoid blocking hydrants, crosswalks and alleyways.
If a driver blocks a handicapped space, it could bring a $200 fine.
As for folks who have no choice but to park illegally on Broad, because of the snow, Standard also reminded drivers they are taking a chance of getting hit.
“As you can see a lot of cars are halfway out into Broad Street, so my first concern was ‘am I gonna get hit going into the postal service,’ then I was scared because I had to get up on the snow because it’s hard to judge where the curb is.
“Now it’s am I going to ruin my car more so than I have with all of the potholes from the snow?!”
