Los Angeles City Councilman Urges Action on Autonomous Vehicles
LOS ANGELES—In a bold move, City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez has called on the city attorney to join a lawsuit against a state commission, demanding action on public safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the expansion of robotaxis in Los Angeles.
Soto-Martinez specifically named Waymo and Cruise, two companies at the forefront of AV development, in his motion.
During a news conference at City Hall, Soto-Martinez emphasized that Los Angeles should not be a testing ground for the tech industry. He urged state officials to tighten regulations for robotaxis, citing an alarming increase in safety incidents such as crashes and congestion.
“Some of the stories that I’ve heard are absolutely egregious and should not be happening here in the city. These vehicles have stopped at intersections at peak hours, whether due to crashes or shutting down to the lack of connectivity,” he added.
Soto-Martinez also expressed concerns about the vulnerability of AVs to cyberattacks.
A spokesperson for Waymo responded, stating that the company prioritizes transparency and collaboration with policymakers. They assured that Waymo has been working closely with City Hall, first responders, and transportation agencies to improve road safety and support the region’s transportation goals.
Cruise, on the other hand, did not immediately comment on the motion.
Chris Griswold of the Teamsters union, representing drivers and workers, joined Soto-Martinez at the news conference, highlighting the potential job loss associated with AV technology.
Soto-Martinez is urging Los Angeles to join San Francisco’s ongoing lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission, which seeks to revise the permits granted to Cruise and Waymo for robotaxis. The motion emphasizes the need for benchmarking standards and careful expansion of AV operations in urban contexts.
The motion, co-authored by council members Nithya Raman, Imelda Padilla, and Heather Hutt, will now proceed to the Transportation Committee and the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee for consideration in November.
A Waymo rider-only robotaxi is seen during a test ride in San Francisco on Dec. 9, 2022. (Paresh Dave/Reuters)
California Suspends Cruise Permit
On Tuesday, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the suspension of Cruise’s robotaxi permits. The DMV cited Cruise’s failure to provide video footage of a pedestrian accident in San Francisco as a reason for the suspension.
Cruise maintains that it shared the full video with the DMV and other agencies and is actively working on improving its autonomous vehicle responses.
The DMV has given Cruise remedies to reinstate its permits, but the company has paused its driverless operations in San Francisco. However, its services in Arizona and Texas remain unaffected by California’s decision.
The incident under review involved a woman who was hit by a human-driven car and then struck by a Cruise driverless vehicle. She was trapped under the robotaxi and had to be freed by first responders.
Waymo, Google’s main competitor, will continue operating and testing its autonomous cars in San Francisco. Additionally, Waymo is launching autonomous vehicles in various Los Angeles neighborhoods as part of a campaign.
Jill McLaughlin contributed to this report.
How can the AV industry collaborate with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure transparency and prioritize public safety, as emphasized by Waymo’s statement and the potential lack of immediate comment from Cruise on the motion
Ng legal battle against the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC currently regulates ride-hailing services, including autonomous vehicles, in the state. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed a lawsuit last month, arguing that the CPUC is not doing enough to ensure public safety in the testing and deployment of AVs.
The introduction of AV technology holds great promise for the future of transportation. It has the potential to reduce traffic congestion, decrease the number of accidents caused by human error, and provide greater mobility options for individuals with disabilities or limited access to transportation. However, these benefits should not come at the expense of public safety.
City Councilman Soto-Martinez’s call to action is a necessary step in ensuring that Los Angeles becomes a responsible and safe testing ground for AVs. As the second-largest city in the United States, Los Angeles has a unique opportunity to set an example for other municipalities and establish robust regulations that prioritize the well-being of its residents.
One of the key concerns raised by Soto-Martinez is the alarming increase in safety incidents involving AVs. Recent news articles highlight examples such as a GM Cruise robotaxi crashing into a bus and the California DMV revoking Cruise’s driverless testing permits due to safety concerns. These incidents underscore the need for stricter regulations and more comprehensive testing protocols.
Additionally, Soto-Martinez’s mention of the vulnerability of AVs to cyberattacks is a crucial point that cannot be overlooked. As technology advances, so does the potential for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities in autonomous systems. It is imperative that regulations adequately address these cybersecurity risks and ensure that AVs are equipped with robust security measures.
Waymo’s statement emphasizing transparency and collaboration is encouraging. It shows that the company is willing to work with policymakers and stakeholders to address concerns and improve road safety. However, Cruise’s lack of immediate comment on the motion raises questions about their commitment to public safety and collaboration. It is essential for all companies involved in AV development to prioritize transparency and dialogue with regulators to foster trust and ensure the responsible deployment of this technology.
The involvement of the Teamsters union in this issue further highlights the potential impact of AV technology on jobs. While AVs have the potential to revolutionize transportation, it is crucial that measures are in place to support workers who may be affected by the transition to autonomous systems. This includes job training and opportunities for reemployment to minimize disruptions in the labor market.
Ultimately, City Councilman Soto-Martinez’s call to action should serve as a wake-up call for the entire AV industry. It is a reminder that public safety should always be paramount, and that technological advancements should be accompanied by strong regulations and accountability. By joining San Francisco’s lawsuit and advocating for stronger regulations, Los Angeles has the opportunity to shape a future where AVs coexist harmoniously with human drivers, improving mobility while prioritizing the well-being of its residents.
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