The robotaxi operator and the city are embroiled in competing lawsuits over an overnight charging facility that residents say causes disruption in the neighborhood.
Autonomous taxi operator Waymo is engaged in a back-and-forth legal battle with the city of Santa Monica, which is suing the company to prevent it from using its electric charging stations overnight due to complaints from local residents about late-night noise and activity.
According to an article by Salvador Hernandez in the Los Angeles Times, Waymo sued the city back, alleging that its activities do not constitute a public nuisance and that Santa Monica “was aware that the Voltera charging facilities were to operate and maintain a commercial electric vehicle fleet 24-hours a day, and the city approved its use when it approved the permits for the stations.”
Tensions have grown to the point that some residents have blocked or otherwise hindered the Waymo vehicles from entering the facilities, prompting employees to call the police on several occasions. Waymo met with the city to discuss options for mitigating the noise, but no agreement was reached before the city sued.
FULL STORY: Fight between Waymo and Santa Monica goes to court
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