Governor Newsom Signs SB 1297 for Speed Cameras in Malibu to Protect Public Safety on PCH

September 27, 2024 - The City of Malibu is proud to announce that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen, into law. The City is thankful for the leadership of Senator Allen, Govern Newsom, and countless State and local partners to achieve this landmark legislation to improve public safety and provide an important deterrent to slow down drivers to "Go Safely PCH." SB 1297 is a key component to turn the tide on the growing number of tragedies to students, beachgoers, and visitors along, what Governor Newsom described earlier this year as, "one of the most iconic drives in California, if not the world. But far too many have lost their lives along this corridor." The law authorizes the installation of speed feedback signs and speed safety systems along the 21-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, one of California's most hazardous corridors. The new feedback signs and speed enforcement cameras will serve as a vital tool to reduce speeding and prevent accidents - making PCH safer for everyone.

Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart celebrated the passage of the legislation, stating:
"We are incredibly grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this life-saving bill into law. SB 1297 is a major victory for public safety in Malibu, and it brings us one step closer to making PCH safer for everyone who travels through our city. I want to extend my deepest thanks to Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin for their leadership in getting this bill passed, and to Supervisor Lindsey Horvath for her strong advocacy throughout the process. The installation of speed feedback signs and cameras will help prevent further tragedies, and we look forward to implementing these vital safety measures as soon as possible."

Senator Ben Allen, who authored the bill, stated: "The signing of SB 1297 today is a huge win for the safety of Malibu residents and its visitors," said Senator Ben Allen (D-Malibu). "We know speed cameras can help curb reckless speeding - an issue this beautiful stretch of highway has been plagued with for years - so I am grateful the Governor recognizes the important role this equipment will play in saving lives. I look forward to continuing to work alongside the City for further road safety improvements that will build on this milestone."

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who represents the City of Malibu and was a principal co-author of SB 1297, also emphasized the bill's significance: "In addition to the $4.2 million already spent on safety improvements on Pacific Coast Highway, SB 1297 is just one additional piece of the puzzle to help save lives along one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in California. I want to thank my colleagues in both the Senate and Assembly for moving this bill forward and thank the City of Malibu for their diligence and support in helping get us to where we are today."

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a strong supporter of the bill throughout the legislative process, stated: "This victory is the result of the all-hands-on-deck action that we promised from the State, County, and City for the Malibu community to create a safer PCH. Bringing speed cameras to Malibu through SB 1297 will be a life-saving deterrent, and the work is far from over. More roadway safety improvements and public education for the region are underway. This kind of action happens when we don't allow the boundaries of government to become barriers for action. I'm grateful for the leadership and partnership of Governor Newsom, Senator Allen and Assemblymember Irwin, and the entire Malibu City Council."

Gratitude for State Support and Partnership

As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic loss of four Pepperdine University students on October 17, 2023, the City of Malibu extends its sincere appreciation to the State of California for its responsive and collaborative efforts to address the challenges on PCH. The support has been instrumental in advancing both immediate and long-term safety measures.

In response to the tragedy, the California Secretary of Transportation signed a Director's Order allocating $4.1 million for short-term infrastructure improvements along PCH in Malibu. These enhancements are vital to improving safety and addressing urgent needs. Additionally, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has embarked on a comprehensive master planning effort to reimagine PCH, transforming it from a high-speed four-lane highway into a safer, more community-focused "Main Street" that accommodates all roadway users, including pedestrians and cyclists.

"We are extremely thankful for the State's continued commitment to addressing the hazards on PCH," said Mayor Doug Stewart. "Governor Newsom's signing of SB 1297, the $4.1 million Director's Order, and the ambitious master planning of PCH are vital steps towards transforming the highway into a safer, more accessible roadway for everyone. As we mark the one-year anniversary of this tragic event, we remain dedicated to doing everything we can to improve safety and will continue collaborating with Caltrans, law enforcement, and other partners to achieve these goals."

Ongoing Collaboration on Enforcement, Education, and Infrastructure

Since January 2024, the City of Malibu has partnered with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish a Malibu Taskforce with three officers dedicated to PCH enforcement. These efforts, combined with support from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), have led to a 36% reduction in injury collisions on PCH, demonstrating the effectiveness of robust enforcement.

The City also appreciates the Office of Traffic Safety for its allocation of resources to public education and its recent award of a $460,000 grant. This funding will support additional enforcement operations and community education initiatives, further enhancing road safety.

"The support from the Office of Traffic Safety and the CHP has been crucial in our efforts to combat speeding and reckless driving on PCH," said Mayor Stewart. "These collaborations are making a real difference, and SB 1297 will only strengthen our ability to protect our community."

Next Steps and Community Engagement

As a next step, the City of Malibu will develop and present an implementation plan to the City Council, outlining the process for deploying the speed cameras and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. The City is committed to moving forward as swiftly as possible, while making sure all necessary procedures are followed. The law goes into effect in January 2025, and the City will keep the community informed at each stage of the implementation process.

The City remains dedicated to an "all of the above" approach to improving safety on PCH, which includes continued enforcement, public education, and infrastructure upgrades. The implementation of speed feedback signs and cameras under SB 1297 will deter dangerous speeding and save lives.

For more information about SB 1297, the City's road safety initiatives, or to participate in upcoming workshops, please visit the PCH Safety webpage.

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