Waymo Ordered to Halt Overnight Charging in Santa Monica Due to Noise Complaints

Santa Monica City Council Mandate

• 🏛️ The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to order Waymo to stop overnight charging operations at two of its stations.
• ⏰ The directive requires Waymo to cease nighttime operations between the hours of 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
• ⚖️ Failure to comply within an expedited timeframe will result in the city initiating litigation against Waymo and property owners.

Resident Complaints and Waymo's Response

• 📢 Neighbors have complained for over a year about noise from the charging stations, as well as congestion caused by vehicles moving through alleys.
• 🔊 The city's letter to Waymo alleges the company has downplayed legitimate complaints and wrongly insisted on immunity from regulation.
• 🛠️ Waymo states that at the end of July, they had already reduced reversing noise, limited working hours, installed quieter equipment, and planted foliage to absorb noise and increase privacy.
• ⚠️ Waymo also claims an individual has been working to disrupt operations, leading to multiple involvements of law enforcement.

Waymo's Commitment to the City

• 🤝 Waymo issued a statement affirming their commitment to operating and investing in the city.
• 🗣️ The company stated they have been engaging with the city since day one and are committed to working with them to be responsive to neighbors' feedback.
• 👂 Waymo plans to continue seeking community input and adjusting operations based on feedback.