Waymo Says Neighborhood Dispute Causing 'Sweeping, Irrevocable Harm' To LA Operations

SANTA MONICA, CA — Waymo has returned to court in an effort to restore overnight operations at two Santa Monica charging facilities, arguing a judge's recent restrictions are already disrupting its transportation network across Southern California.

In a motion filed Thursday, the autonomous vehicle company asked Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips to stay the preliminary injunction he issued last month while Waymo appeals the ruling.

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Waymo argued the injunction, which bars overnight operations at its Broadway facilities between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., has already caused "sweeping, irrevocable harm" by preventing overnight charging at what it described as a vital hub in its transportation network.

"The loss of the right to operate overnight at the Broadway lots, a vital charging hub in Waymo's transportation network, has already caused sweeping, irrevocable harm and will continue to do so," the company's attorneys wrote in the court filing.

If Phillips declines to pause the injunction, Waymo said it plans to seek emergency relief from California's Second District Court of Appeal through a writ of supersedeas, which can suspend enforcement of a court order while an appeal is pending.

Phillips issued the preliminary injunction July 27 as the city of Santa Monica's public nuisance lawsuit moves toward trial. The order applies to Waymo's facilities at 1222 and 1310 Broadway.

The city alleges overnight activity at the sites, including vehicle movements, worker conversations and other noise, has disturbed nearby residents and interfered with their use and enjoyment of their homes. Court filings cited by the city describe Waymo vehicle noise as echoing "off buildings along the alleys like a canyon."

Waymo denies the allegations, saying it has taken multiple steps to reduce neighborhood impacts, including software updates to reduce vehicle noise, light and noise barriers, additional staffing and changes to vehicle operations at the facilities.

The preliminary injunction remains in effect unless Phillips grants the company's request for a stay or an appellate court intervenes.

Waymo declined Patch's request for comment.