PCH Could Soon Get Speed Cameras In LA County In Wake Of Fatal Crashes

MALIBU, CA — Two transportation bills being pushed by Malibu officials — including one that would bring speed cameras to Pacific Coast Highway — were recently approved by a key state Senate committee.

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 April 10 was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. It will need to be approved by the full Senate and Assembly before Gov. Gavin Newsom considers signing it into law.

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.

"As a father, I am heartbroken every time I see yet another news report of a fatal car crash on PCH," Allen said. "The Malibu community is devastated by far too many serious injuries and deaths each year. Today's passage of SB 1297 out of committee is the first step to providing the City with the necessary tools to crack down on reckless speeding and 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.

"We are taking an 'all of the above' approach to ensure the safety of all who travel along Pacific Coast Highway," said Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, who was among a group of Malibu residents who went to Sacramento to lobby for the bill.

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 have issued 846 moving violation tickets; 727 of which were for speeding, according to the city.

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 also passed the Transportation Committee on April 10. SB 1509, the Negligent Operator Treatment bill, 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.

The Malibu lobbying delegation, including resident Michel Shane, also spoke in favor of that bill. Shane's 13-year-old daughter, Emily Shane, was fatally struck by a man driving recklessly on PCH in 2010.