By Councilmember Julie Pace
Waymos have been operating on Paradise Valley Streets and two issues arose this summer that resulted in resident complaints.
First, Waymos were staging and waiting on certain streets in the community. For example, many Waymos were regularly sitting and waiting on Stallion street and other streets.
As you know, the Waymos have a certain whir with the moving equipment and 360 degree cameras. And, Do you as a resident really want to have three, four or five in front of your house waiting all the time.
Thanks to the residents for letting me know. I worked with our Town Manager who has established a good relationship with the Waymo representative and contacted the company and Waymo was gracious to cooperate and move the staging location. So that was resolved.
Second, a Waymo stopped in the middle of the single lane road on McDonald Drive to wait for a passenger to come out from one of the homes and walk to the Waymo to take a ride. The Waymo was stopped with red brake lights for some time and blocked traffic. The Waymo was adjacent to the median on the one lane road.
This was reported to our town manager who again is communicating with Waymo. Our Town cannot have our one lane streets blocking traffic with no way around them. Waymo needs to program so they either pull off the road or onto a driveway or drive safely where to pick up a passenger without blocking traffic.
The good news is many residents are using Waymo for rides to the airport, etc. Residents report they like the quiet ride and have felt very safe in the vehicles. So if you know any issues of concern, please call the town manager’s office to evaluate and address it. Be safe out there! Watch the road and any hazards.