After noise complaints, judge orders Waymo to stop overnight charging in Santa Monica
A Santa Monica judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing Waymo from using its local charging facilities overnight. The ruling follows complaints from residents regarding light and noise pollution caused by the autonomous vehicle fleet.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing friction between autonomous vehicle infrastructure and urban residential quality of life.
Way less noise After noise complaints, judge orders Waymo to stop overnight charging in Santa Monica Autonomous vehicle giant disturbs residents’ sleep.
15 A Waymo self-driving minivan, with safety driver visible, in 2018. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images A Waymo self-driving minivan, with safety driver visible, in 2018. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav A local judge has ruled that Waymo can no longer use its side-by-side charging facilities overnight in Santa Monica, California, as these may pose a “public nuisance.”
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips granted this week the City of Santa Monica’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the city’s ongoing public nuisance lawsuit against the autonomous vehicle giant.
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