California Senate Approves Speed Cameras for PCH in Malibu to Enhance Road Safety

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The California Senate has passed a bill that would authorize the installation of speed cameras along a 21-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, a measure aimed at curbing reckless driving and enhancing road safety in a region known for its high incidence of traffic accidents.

Senate Bill 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) and co-authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), cleared its final legislative hurdle on August 30, 2024, with the Assembly approving it by a 54-6 vote. The Senate subsequently gave its final approval with a 36-4 vote. The bill is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for signing.

The initiative to install speed cameras comes in the wake of a tragic accident in October 2023, where four Pepperdine University students—Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams—lost their lives after being struck by a speeding driver on PCH. The incident sparked widespread calls for increased safety measures on the highway.

“The Legislature’s passage of SB 1297 brings us one step closer to making the Pacific Coast Highway safer for everyone,” Senator Allen said. “The introduction of speed cameras will play a crucial role in curbing reckless driving and protecting both residents and visitors.”

The bill proposes installing five speed-camera systems in areas identified as having the highest rates of speed-related collisions and fatalities. These cameras are expected to act as a deterrent to speeding and reduce the number of traffic accidents along this dangerous stretch of highway.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart expressed strong support for the legislation, calling it “a critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to make Malibu safer for everyone who travels along the Pacific Coast Highway.” He also urged Governor Newsom to sign the bill into law to begin implementing these vital safety measures.

The approval of SB 1297 follows other efforts to improve safety on PCH, including infrastructure enhancements and increased enforcement. Assemblymember Irwin noted that over $4 million has already been spent on road safety improvements along PCH over the past year.

If signed into law, the speed cameras would represent one of the most significant safety upgrades on PCH in recent years, aiming to prevent future tragedies and ensure that both residents and visitors can travel safely along this iconic coastal route.