Santa Monica orders Waymo to stop noisy overnight operations at charging stations. Neighbors rejoice

"On a unanimous vote, the Santa Monica City Council voted Tuesday to issue a directive to Waymo, the owner of the property and its lessees, to stop overnight operations at the charging stations. "If the owners and lessees and operators do not comply within an expedited time frame, [the city would then be instructed] to initiate litigation to abate nuisance conditions," Interim City Atty. Heidi von Tongeln said during Tuesday's council meeting."

"Several local residents have complained about round-the-clock beeping and humming emitted by the self-driving cars as they make their way to two charging stations near the intersection of Euclid Street and Broadway. Waymo said it took steps to reduce noise at the charging stations, but residents still insist the stations are a nuisance, arguing that the noise keeps them up at night and the driverless cars are clogging the streets."

"According to a letter from the city to Waymo, obtained by The Times, Santa Monica demanded that the two lots stop operating at night starting Wednesday, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. "The City has received many complaints from neighboring residents regarding the Broadway Lots, and particularly that the overnight operations of the lots are very disruptive to their sleep and peace and quite enjoyment of their homes," the letter reads."

Santa Monica City Council unanimously directed Waymo and the property owners to stop overnight charging operations at two local stations. The city demanded the lots cease operations nightly from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. after numerous resident complaints about persistent beeping and humming that disturb sleep and neighborhood enjoyment. Waymo says it took steps to reduce charging-station noise, but residents continue to describe the sites as a nuisance and say driverless vehicles clog nearby streets. The city warned that failure to comply within an expedited timeframe could lead to litigation to abate nuisance conditions. A total of 56 Waymo vehicles can charge simultaneously at the two stations.

Read at Los Angeles Times