The order prohibits Waymo from operating the lots at 1222 and 1310 Broadway between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
By Sarah Lin
Waymo is appealing a court order that temporarily bans overnight operations at two of its vehicle charging stations in Santa Monica.
City News Service reported that the company filed a notice of appeal Thursday after Santa Monica Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips granted the city a preliminary injunction on July 27. The order prohibits Waymo from operating the lots at 1222 and 1310 Broadway between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. while the case proceeds to trial.
In his ruling, Phillips found the city had shown a reasonable probability of prevailing on its public nuisance claim. He concluded that noise, lights and traffic from the overnight charging and servicing operations interfere with nearby residents’ ability to enjoy their homes. The judge noted that Waymo can still provide overnight rides using vehicles charged during daytime hours.
According to the city’s court filings, residents reported being disturbed by workers talking late at night and by the sounds of Waymo vehicles, which the city said echo off buildings along the alleys. The city said repeated requests to address the issues were rejected.
Waymo has denied that a public nuisance exists. In its own lawsuit against the city, the company said it hired additional staff, implemented software updates to reduce noise, installed barriers and modified vehicle behaviors. Waymo also contended that local residents’ interference contributed to the problems.
A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 23 to review potential remediation measures.
