People who park on trails, sidewalks in Carmel could face larger fines

The city of Carmel is looking to significantly increase fines given to drivers who park their vehicles in areas reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Members of the Carmel City Council are considering an ordinance that would increase fines against people who park a vehicle without a permit on a sidewalk, bike lane or multiuse path to $200 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $2,500, plus any other costs, for subsequent offenses in a calendar year. Currently, the fines are $10, $25 and $100.

Councilor Rich Taylor said the topic of increasing penalties was raised during a recent town hall he hosted with fellow at-large City Councilors Matthew Snyder and Jeff Worrell.

“[Police] can enforce it, however, the penalties and fines are not at a level that that creates compliance,” Taylor said. “What we’re doing is raising the fine … so that when it is enforced, it actually creates a deterrent versus just doing the cost of business for the utilities, landscapers, etc., that decide to park there.”

Snyder asked if the ordinance should apply to a broader spectrum of offenses than just parking on a sidewalk or a trail.

“Part of the issue has been lots of these infractions have such a low threshold of fees that they’re not worth enforcing, so is this something we can look at on a broader scale as well?” Snyder said.

Carmel city attorney Samantha Karn said that is something the city can consider.

“If we’re in a similar situation where [people are] taking the violation rather than getting the permit, it’s not a good place for us to be,” she said. “And I think we’d be willing to do what we can to make sure that those violations turn into permits instead.”

Carmel’s Land Use and Special Studies Committee and its Finance, Utilities and Rules Committee will review the ordinance before it returns to the City Council for a final decision.