Gov. Newsom Signs Bill Placing Speed Cameras On The PCH In Malibu

Governor Gavin Newsom was in Malibu on Friday, signing a bill that would place speed cameras across the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu through at lease 2032.

Senate Bill 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), will set up up to five five automated speed enforcement cameras to reduce speeding. Under the pilot program, which runs through at least 2032, clear signage be posted to notify drivers of the system, a public education campaign will be conducted before enforcement begins, and fines will be automatically issued for anyone speeding.

Senator Allen introduced legislation for the cameras following reports that at least 60 people on the Malibu stretch of the PCH have been killed by speeding since 2010. This included four Pepperdine University students that were killed while in a speeding car in late 2023, the incident that helped further spark the bill to be introduced.

“As a father, I am heartbroken every time I see yet another news report of a fatal car crash on PCH,” said Allen in April. “The Malibu community is devastated by far too many serious injuries and deaths each year. The 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.”

Cost concerns, as well as questions of whether the state needed to set up the cameras, made SB 1297 a controversial bill. Many supporters pointed to the safety factor, with local Republicans and Democrats saying that speeding on the PCH was a major problem. However, opponents said that the cost and questioning if local authorities should be the ones setting up the cameras were reasons enough to not pass the bill. Ultimately, SB 1297 narrowly passed the Assembly last month 54-6 with 19 abstaining, while the Senate proved to be more one-sided with a 36-4 vote. Many were won over not only by the safety concerns, but also through the speeding cameras estimated to make more in fines than the ultimate cost and upkeep.

Nearly  a month after the votes, Governor Newsom finally made his decision on the bill. In a ceremony next to the PCH in Malibu on Friday, Newsom signed the bill into law, guaranteeing that cameras would be up soon.

Losing more than 60 lives on one stretch of our iconic Pacific Coast Highway is unacceptable — and it's a call to action.

California is building on our ongoing safety efforts with new speed cameras that'll help put an end to reckless driving in Malibu. pic.twitter.com/IQ5UqjkLl1

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) September 27, 2024

“Over 60 lives lost on one stretch of our iconic Pacific Coast Highway is unacceptable — it’s a call to action. That’s why we’re adding speed cameras to help put an end to reckless driving in Malibu. These new cameras will build on the state’s ongoing safety makeover that includes infrastructure upgrades, increased traffic enforcement, and a new public education campaign,” Newsom said in Malibu on Friday.

Senator Allen added that “The signing of SB 1297 today is a huge win for the safety of Malibu residents and its visitors. We know speed cameras can help curb reckless speeding – an issue this beautiful stretch of highway has been plagued with for years – so I am grateful the Governor recognizes the important role this equipment will play in saving lives. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the City for further road safety improvements that will build on this milestone.”

Law enforcement officials told the Globe on Friday that the bill was a long time coming, following decades of dangerous speeding incidents through Malibu.

“I know some people aren’t happy about it, but this was something that we have been needing for quite some time,” explained Ben, a former law enforcement official who had been posted along the PCH to the Globe on Friday. “There are some dangerous areas, but Malibu really has that reputation. It’s close enough to L.A. to be urban, but also sparse enough to make people feel like they can speed. Add in a lot of wealthier people with fast cars and people staying out late, and it’s a dangerous brew.

“But you know what people hate? Traffic fines. And speeding tickets will really give people pause. Police are out there of course, but there is only so many of us. We can’t be everywhere at once. I wish there was a way that didn’t involve cameras, but enough people have abused this, with dozens dying as a result. The law was needed. It will be interesting to see just how many people get tickets as a result, and how much the state will make after all the costs.”

Cameras are expected to be installed soon.