In a decisive move to address the chronic issue of speeding that has led to numerous fatalities, Gov. Gavin Newsom has given the green light for installing speed cameras along the perilous stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. This initiative, part of a wider safety strategy, was announced following the signing of a bill permitting up to five cameras to be deployed to enforce speed limits, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles.
Senator Ben Allen's authored legislation, SB 1297, is a direct response to the devastating accident last year which claimed the lives of four students and highlighted the urgent need to aggressively curb the speeding that has plagued the highway. As part of the law's stipulations, signage will be erected to alert drivers to the cameras, and a public education campaign is to also be put in place before the enforcement's commencement. "Over 60 lives lost on one stretch of our iconic Pacific Coast Highway is unacceptable — it's a call to action," Gov. Newsom said, as stated by the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.
The recent safety upgrades, costing $4.2 million, have incorporated additional measures such as speed feedback signs and enhanced striping, as per CBS News Los Angeles. Alongside the infrastructure improvements, law enforcement is stepping up its presence with the California Highway Patrol having issued over 1,200 traffic citations since January 2024, of which roughly 90% were for instances of speeding.
Furthermore, the Governor has enacted two additional transportation measures, including SB 960 by Senator Scott Wiener and AB 2086 by Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo, aimed to importantly enhance the statewide transportation infrastructure and transparency. These bills will ensure the integration of safer and more inclusive infrastructure elements and a clear financial breakdown of transportation investments available to the public. The State's commitment to safety and infrastructure underscores the multi-faceted response to the speed-related challenges on the PCH, as Newsom elaborated on the necessity of these traffic safety measures, according to the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom.
