Residents say the constant beeping — described as a non-stop “beep-beep-beep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public nuisance
Dozens of Santa Monica residents have signed a petition calling on autonomous vehicle company Waymo to reduce noise pollution from its charging stations, citing disruption to daily life in the neighborhood.
The petition, launched by local resident Christopher Potter on Change.org, has gathered over 60 verified signatures and aims to reach 75. It targets Waymo Management and urges the company to reduce the volume of the backup warning beeps emitted by its vehicles while they are operating in their private charging lots at Euclid Street and Broadway.
Residents say the constant beeping — described as a non-stop “beep-beep-beep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public nuisance near an elementary school and several apartment complexes. Petitioners are also calling on Waymo to limit its operations during nighttime hours and to engage more directly with the community about concerns.
“Our once peaceful neighborhood has become a hub for noise pollution,” the petition reads. “It’s imperative that Waymo respects the right to peace and tranquility of the residents of Santa Monica.”
Some neighbors allege that their efforts to raise the issue have been ignored. One resident claims a paper petition was removed without explanation, and others say their emails to the company and the City of Santa Monica have gone unanswered. Another neighbor was reportedly issued a restraining order by Waymo for attempting to block vehicles from entering the lot.
In a statement to local media station Fox 11, Waymo said it is “committed to being a positive presence in Santa Monica” and is “actively working with the City’s Department of Transportation to explore and implement mitigations that address neighbors’ concerns.”
Waymo began expanding its fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, into Los Angeles in late 2023 after receiving approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The expansion allows its vehicles to operate in a 63-square-mile area stretching from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.
Back in Santa Monica, residents like Potter say they are not opposed to innovation — just seeking peace and quiet.
“An easy fix would be to reduce the volume of the warning sounds when the cars are in their own lots,” Potter wrote. “Then let them resume full volume once they’re on public roads.”
