Carmel considers how to corral the Car Week chaos with a paid parking plan.

Downtown Carmel was hopping with activity on the Thursday of Car Week, Aug. 14, last summer. Hundreds of people crowded the streets to get a look at uber-expensive exotic and classic cars either parked or rumbling loudly as the autos cruised through the village. Chief Todd Trayer crafted a plan to keep pedestrians and drivers safe, and although it helped, he knew there was still more to be done.

Recently, Trayer conducted town halls and reached out to business owners to gather input about how to handle the crowds that grow in size yearly. On Tuesday, March 3, he presented on a proposed pilot program for this year’s Car Week to the Carmel City Council that he believes would improve safety over 2025.

The proposal includes managing traffic flow in the core of downtown and charging for parking – $200 to park on Ocean Avenue between Lincoln Street and Junipero Avenue, $100 on side streets between 6th and 7th avenues. An event company, Good Roots, would manage the program, bringing in 40 employees from 6-10pm on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Car Week. They would also bring in flood lights to illuminate intersections for pedestrians. Visitors would be encouraged to use a free shuttle from Larson Field on Rio Road.

Mayor Dale Byrne and councilmembers Jeff Baron and Bob Delves said they were in favor of the plan, but councilmembers Hans Buder and Alissandra Dramov had concerns.

“I think most residents just want their town back,” Buder said. “Let’s come up with a plan that leans in that direction.”

The pilot program will come back to Council in May for a vote. Costs are to be determined.