The City of Malibu is advancing its Speed Safety Program, aiming to install automated speed cameras along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) to enhance road safety. This initiative follows the enactment of Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 27, 2024. The legislation authorizes the installation of five speed camera systems along a 21-mile stretch of PCH within Malibu, targeting areas with high incidences of speed-related collisions and fatalities .
Implementation Timeline
The speed cameras are scheduled to be operational by September 2025. Initially, there will be a 60-day warning period during which violators will receive warnings instead of fines. Following this period, enforcement will commence with civil penalties for non-emergency vehicles as follows:
• $50 for driving 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit
• $100 for 16 to 25 mph over
• $200 for 26 mph or more over
• $500 for speeds of 100 mph or more
These measures are part of a broader effort to deter speeding and improve safety on one of California’s most iconic highways .
Community Engagement and Next Steps
The City has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a Speed Safety System Use Policy and an Impact Report, essential steps before implementing the speed camera system. These documents will undergo a 30-day public review period, after which they will be presented to the City Council for adoption. Once approved, the City can proceed with purchasing and installing the cameras .
The speed cameras will be installed in the following high-risk areas along PCH:
• Decker Canyon
• Between Guernsey Avenue & Morning View
• Latigo Canyon
• Between Carbon Beach Terrace & Carbon Canyon
• Tuna Canyon
These locations were selected based on data indicating high rates of speed-related collisions and fatalities .
Background and Legislative Support
The push for speed cameras intensified following the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students on October 17, 2023, caused by a speeding driver on PCH. Since 2010, over 60 fatalities have occurred on this stretch of highway, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.
SB 1297 was authored by Senator Ben Allen and co-authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, with strong support from local officials, including Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. The legislation is part of a comprehensive approach to road safety, which includes infrastructure improvements, increased enforcement, and public education campaigns .
For more information and updates on the Malibu Speed Safety Program, residents can visit the City’s official website: malibucity.org
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