California Senate passes bill to put speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

The California Senate passed a bill to increase safety along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. 

SB 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, calls for the state to install five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH that passes through Malibu. 

"I'm not interested in punishing people," Allen said. "I'm interested in compliance. So for me, its not about giving out tickets. For me, it's about getting people to slow down."

Allen and Irwin said the cameras will be placed in the areas that recorded the most speed-related collisions and fatalities. The community called on lawmakers to increase safety along the highway for several years. The demands grew exponentially after four Pepperdine students were killed in October 2023. The driver charged for the deadly crash allegedly went 104 mph in a 45-mph zone and slammed into the women.

"I can't tell you how elated I am to finally be able to show something really significant to the community there, particularly to the parents of the victims and their friends who I got to meet along the way — proud to have stood with them," Allen said.

In 2023, there were 220 crashes on the stretch of PCH from the Ventura County line to the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica. Three of the crashes killed seven people, including the four students. Another 93 crashes resulted in injuries.     

"SB 1297 represents a critical step forward in our ongoing efforts to make Malibu safer for everyone who travels along the Pacific Coast Highway," Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said. "The loss of the four Pepperdine students was a devastating reminder of the dangers posed by speeding."

The bill heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk for final approval.

"Now, I urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 1297 into law so we can start implementing these vital safety measures," Stewart said.