Bill to put up speed cameras on PCH in Malibu heads to Governor’s desk

A bill to place speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway has advanced out of the California Legislature and awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Senate Bill 1297 was authored by State Sen. Ben Allen and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, both of whom represent the town of Malibu in their respective districts.

The bill was written in the wake of a deadly crash on PCH in Malibu last fall on a stretch of road known to locals as “Dead Man’s Curve.”

In that crash, four pedestrians, students at nearby Pepperdine University, were hit and killed by a speeding driver .

The driver, 22-year-old Fraser Bohm, was arrested and later charged with murder in the deaths of the four women, Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams.

Their deaths led to calls from Malibu residents and surviving loved ones for increased safety measures on the dangerous stretch of highway.

Speed cameras are part of that equation, backers of the bill hope.

Five cameras will be placed along a 21-mile stretch of PCH in strategic locations that have been identified as “high-risk,” having the highest incidence of speed-related collisions and fatalities.

Supporters hope the cameras will deter speeding and reduce traffic collisions, leading to a safer community and fewer unnecessary deaths.

Data gathered from other communities and counties that have speed cameras in place have shown a 41% reduction in fatal or incapacitating injuries, according to the City of Malibu.

State Sen. Allen said the passage of the SB 1297 will play a crucial role in curbing reckless driving and make the Pacific Coast Highway safer for visitors and residents.

“I am hopeful that Governor Newsom will recognize the importance of this legislation and sign it into law on behalf of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians along this stretch of highway,” Allen said.

Assemblymember Irwin said the legislation builds on previous efforts of local leaders to improve safety on the roadway, which included millions in safety improvements from Caltrans.

“Our work to make Malibu safer and to save lives has only just begun,” Irwin said.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart applauded the passage of the bill, which had bipartisan support throughout the legislative process and thanked the two local legislators for pushing and believing in it.

In addition to speed cameras, Malibu officials said the city is working on a comprehensive strategy to address road safety on PCH, which includes infrastructure improvements, enhanced law enforcement measure and community engagement.

“The loss of the four Pepperdine students was a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by speeding,” Stewart said.

When the bill advanced out of the State Assembly’s Transportation Committee earlier this year, Michel Shane, whose daughter, Emily, was killed on Highway 1 in 2010, called the proposed legislation a “beacon of hope for those of who have lost loved ones to reckless driving.”

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