Richmond police beg people to stop parking in the crosswalks

State of play: RPD announced their ramped up push late last month in a Facebook post with Lieutenant Marvin Marsh from the Third Precinct, which covers neighborhoods ranging from Forest Hill and Willow Lawn to Museum District and The Fan.

• It's part of the city's broader effort to improve pedestrian safety after a string of deaths.
• Marsh said officers will be out talking to motorists about city code, which says drivers can be fined $50 for parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk or within 30 feet of a stop sign.
• It's $65 if a driver parks in a crosswalk or intersection.

What they're saying: "We'd much rather have a conversation than write a ticket," Marsh said. "So please, give corners the space they need."

• "Every blocked crosswalk is a safety risk."

What we're watching: For how many violations RPD has cited since the announcement, which a spokesperson tells Axios they should have for us this week.

The bottom line: If you can't fit where you're supposed to park, loop around the block. This is Richmond, so there's always a spot around the corner.