Cities Crack Down on Sidewalk Delivery Bots

0:00Cities across Southern California are cracking down on those cute sidewalk delivery bots, rolling out new rules and fees to make companies pay for. Using public space, places like Glendale, Long Beach and Los Angeles lead the charge, shifting from flat permits to potential per-trip charges to boost city revenue. These bots handle everything from Domino's Pizza to Walmart orders, and the companies behind them argue the tech slashes, car trips on the road. But cities say they've been playing ketchup since the devices popped up without much warning. Local leaders worry about impacts on folks in wheelchairs navigating sidewalks, and question who's really caching in, especially with bots now flashing. Ads. In Glendale, council members push for staff proposals on regulations, fees, or even a temporary pause to study the effects. Los Angeles is revisiting its older rules after a council motion last year, eyeing fees tied to botmiles or ad income, with a report due later this.

1:00Year. Long Beach teams have business licensing and public works for their own recommendations by early summer. Meanwhile, bot makers like serve robotics already pay fees in spots like Los Angeles and Chicago, and they're open to fair models elsewhere as cities, way the perks of fewer vehicles against smarter oversight. Stay informed with California News Today, AI-powered updates. I'm Corey with The Story.