A San Francisco group says they’re placing cones on driverless cars. Videos of the incidents occurring are catching plenty of consideration on social media.
A group known as “Safe Street Rebel” stated they’re behind the “coning” and it is apparently a type of protest, forward of a giant choice in regards to the cars occurring subsequent week in San Francisco.
The group members aren’t figuring out themselves however did reply to NBC Bay Area’s written questions Friday.
According to the group, the thought is to put the cones on the cars, in order to confuse and disable them. They added they need the cars off the roads solely or on the very least, severely restricted.
Currently, the driverless taxis are solely working in San Francisco throughout sure hours. But metropolis officers may grant two firms, Cruise & Waymo, full approval as early as subsequent week.
Some metropolis leaders have additionally expressed issues over the driverless taxis. The San Francisco hearth chief stated that the cars have blocked emergency automobiles dozens of instances this 12 months.
Both firms, nonetheless, are defending their automobiles and condemning the coning.
Waymo launched the next assertion Friday:
“Not only is this understanding of how AVs operate incorrect, but this is vandalism and encourages unsafe and disrespectful behavior on our roadways. We will notify law enforcement of any unwanted or unsafe interference of our vehicles on public roadways.”
Cruise additionally launched a press release Friday, which learn:
“Cruise’s fleet provides free rides to late-night service workers without more reliable transportation options, has delivered over 2 million meals to food insecure San Franciscans, and recovers food waste from local businesses. Intentionally obstructing vehicles gets in the way of those efforts and risks creating traffic congestion for local residents.”
NBC Bay Area additionally reached out to SFMTA in regards to the incidents. They stated that they didn’t endorse “coning” and famous that anybody with a priority was welcome to attend the assembly this subsequent thursday at 11 a.m.
