Santa Monica Residents Demand Noise Reduction from Waymo Charging Stations

Santa Monica residents living near Waymo's autonomous vehicle charging stations have voiced strong complaints about persistent noise, particularly from backup beeping, alarms, and bright lights disrupting their daily lives and sleep. The noise, described as incessant, has led to petitions and calls for Waymo to reduce backup beep volumes, limit nighttime operations, and engage more directly with the community. Waymo has responded by stating it is working with the City's Department of Transportation, has implemented mitigations such as quieter equipment, limited work hours, and planting vegetation to buffer noise and light. Despite these efforts, many residents feel progress is too slow and note the city's sound measurements found no code violations, which has left them seeking remedies from state regulators. The company is also establishing a dedicated email address for further complaints. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing technological advancement with residential quality of life.