Judge Orders Waymo to Stop Overnight Charging in Santa Monica
A judge has ordered Waymo to cease overnight charging of its autonomous vehicles in Santa Monica, California, ruling the facilities may pose a 'public nuisance.'
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips granted the City of Santa Monica’s motion for a preliminary injunction this week, part of an ongoing public nuisance lawsuit against the autonomous vehicle company.
City officials and local residents have contended that the constant flow of vehicles to and from the charging stations generates light and sound pollution, alongside traffic congestion on nearby streets and alleys. These disruptions collectively create a disturbance for the community.
Waymo, an Alphabet Inc. subsidiary, has been expanding its driverless ride-hailing services in the Los Angeles area. The ruling presents a setback to the company's operational plans and its objective to offer services around the clock in densely populated urban settings.
The injunction is preliminary, and the legal proceedings are ongoing. Waymo is now required to comply with the order restricting its overnight operations in Santa Monica pending a final court decision.