Delivery Bots: Cities Regulate, Companies Push Back

0:00It's April 21st. From your city to your ears, this is California News Today, powered by AI. Delivery bots are rolling out fast on sidewalks across southern California, bringing packages right to your door while dodging cars. Companies behind them have big growth plans, but cities like Glendale and Los Angeles are just now stepping up with rules and fees to manage the buzz. In Glendale, these bots showed up without warning, catching city leaders off guard. The council task staff last month with drafting regulations, fees, and even a possible pause to check impacts like blocking wheelchair access and figuring out who's cashing in. Folks on the council worry about safety for residents with disabilities and want a clear picture of the money trail. Meanwhile in Los Angeles, which set basic permit fees years back, leaders are rethinking at all, eyeing charges per bot trip and cuts from ads on the fee. Devices. Los Angeles council members push for a fresh review last year, with a report due later this year.

1:01Residents there can chime in online, while Glendale folks should email the council directly. Companies push back, saying bots ease traffic by replacing delivery vans and they're already paying fees in spots like Los Angeles and Chicago. Long Beach got advanced notice and is prepping its own rules for summer council review. Looks like more cities will join the regulation wave soon.