Even though self-driving cars are becoming popular worldwide, not everyone is happy about it. In Santa Monica, California, some people who were unfortunate enough to live near the Waymo depot found a terrible side effect of Alphabet's self-driving cars: their incredibly annoying backing noise.
Local laws mandate that autonomous cars make a sound anytime they backup, which is something that frequently occurs when Waymos return to base to recharge, as the Los Angeles Times recently revealed.
"It is bothersome. This neighbourhood already has a lot of noise, and I don't think it's fair to add another level to it," a local woman told KTLA. "I know some people have been kept up at night, and woken up in the middle of the night.”
Using a technique pioneered by activist group Safe Street Rebel in 2023, when self-driving cars first showed up on San Francisco streets, Santa Monica citizens blocked Waymos with traffic cones, personal automobiles, and even their own bodies.
Dubbed "coning," the seemingly petty tactic evolved after the California Public Utilities Commission decided 3-1 to allow Waymo and Cruise to operate self-driving vehicles in California neighbourhoods at all times. Prior to the vote, public comments lasted more than six hours, indicating that the proposal was not well received.
Safe Street Rebel conducted a period of direct action known as "The Week of the Cone" in protest of the plan to grant Cruise and Waymo complete control over public streets. The California DMV quickly revoked Cruise's licence to drive in the state as a result of the group's campaign, in addition to multiple mishaps involving autonomous vehicles.
"This is a clear victory for direct action and the power of people getting in the street," Safe Street Rebel noted in a statement. "Our shenanigans made this an international story and forced a spotlight on the many issues with [self-driving cars].”
However, Waymo isn't going down without a fight back in Santa Monica. According to the LA Times, the company has sued several peaceful protesters and has even called the local police to drive out angry residents.
"My client engaged in justifiable protest, and Waymo attempted to obtain a restraining order against him, which was denied outright," stated Rebecca Wester, an attorney representing a local resident.
The most recent annoyance Waymo has imposed on its neighbours is the backup noise. Residents of San Francisco reported hearing horns blaring from a nearby Waymo depot nine months ago. This happens when dozens of the cars congest the small parking lot.