PCH Speed Camera Plan Clears Key Legislative Hurdle

MALIBU, CA — The installation of speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway got one step closer to reality on Tuesday after the plan cleared a key legislative hurdle.

Introduced by Malibu's representative in the Senate, Sen. Ben Allen, SB 1297 calls for the installation of up to five speed cameras along the 21-mile stretch of PCH that runs through Malibu. The system would be coordinated with radar feedback signs; speeding drivers would be fined up to $500.

The bill on May 20 was approved by the Senate and on Tuesday was approved by the Assembly Transportation Committee. The full Assembly is expected to vote on the matter soon, which will send it to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk if approved.

"Passing SB 1297 out of the Assembly Transportation Committee is a major victory for public safety in Malibu. Speed cameras have proven effective in reducing speeding and saving lives in other communities, and I am confident they will do the same here," Allen said in a statement.

The effort to bring speed cameras to PCH began last fall after four Pepperdine University students were fatally struck by a driver who authorities say was going over 100 mph. The women were standing on the side of the road, which has a 45 mph speed limit, authorities said.

"We are thrilled that SB 1297 has taken this significant step forward," said Mayor Steve Uhring. "The implementation of speed camera systems is a crucial measure to protect our residents, pedestrians, and visitors from the dangers of speeding. This technology will serve as a deterrent, encourage responsible driving, and ultimately save lives."

Since 2010, 60 people have been killed in traffic crashes along PCH in Malibu. And since 2023, deputies have issued 7,580 violations for speeding, according to the city.

The speed cameras are just one piece of an effort to save lives on the highway launched by city, county and state leaders.

The city in November also inked a contract with the California Highway Patrol to beef up enforcement on PCH. The highway had been patrolled solely but the Sheriff's Department since 1991, according to officials.

Since the permanent contract with CHP went into effect in January, officers issued 1,200 citations on PCH through April, over 1,000 of which were for speeding, according to officials.

Over a one-week period that ended earlier this month, CHP issued 71 citations to motorists on Pacific Coast Highway, officials said.

The speed-camera bill would add Malibu to Malibu to pilot program, approved last year, that calls for the installation of speed cameras in six other cities across the state: Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco.

The five-year program would allow cities to issue tickets to drivers caught speeding by the cameras. The violations would not count against a driver's traffic record. Fines start at $50 for motorists going at least 11 mph over the speed limit and increase to $500 for those speeding more than 100 mph. Fines can be reduced depending on a driver's income.

Another bill, SB 1509, the Negligent Operator Treatment bill, has also earned the support of Malibu's lobbying delegation.

The bill, currently in the legislative process, would amend existing law to deter reckless driving. Among the provisions is that drivers convicted of driving more than 26 mph over the speed limit on certain roads would receive a two-point violation on their licenses.