Beginning January 4, 2010, parking fines will increase to $200 for illegal parking in handicap zones within the city of Richmond. Richmond City Council approved the violation increase and the ordinance was formally adopted on November 23, 2009. Violators will be ticketed and fined for illegally parking in a handicap parking space or in front of a handicap ramp. Fines were previously $100 for parking illegally in a handicap zone. For more information, citizens are encouraged to call the city’s Customer Care Center at (804) 646-7000 or visit the city’s website at www.RichmondGov.com . Contact: Jemila Woodson, (804) 646-4642