05/20/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2025 17:21
5/20/25- The City of Malibu is committed to prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Following California State Legislature adoption of SB 1297, the City of Malibu is excited to announce the Malibu Speed Safety Program.
The City recently hosted two meetings to provide more information about the Program and obtain community input regarding the Use Policy and Impact Report. A virtual meeting was held on April 23, 2025, and an in-person meeting was held on April 30, 2025.
Click here to watch a recording of the virtual meeting.
Next Steps
The draft Use Policy and Impact Report will soon be posted to the City's website for a 30-day public review. After the 30-day review, the Use Policy and Impact Reports will be presented to the City Council for adoption. Once adopted, the City can proceed with purchasing and installing the cameras.
Background
Conditions on PCH have become increasingly dangerous over the years, with dozens of pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist fatalities and injuries, culminating in the deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist as they stood along PCH on October 17, 2023. As a result of this horrific incident, Senate Bill (SB) 1297 was created and signed by the Governor on September 27, 2024. SB 1297 authorizes the installation of five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH within Malibu.
Speed cameras detect speeding vehicles using radar or laser technology to measure speed. When a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit, the camera takes a picture or video of the vehicle, capturing its license plate, date, time, and location. This information is then checked to confirm the violation, and local authorities decide whether to give a warning or a speeding ticket to the vehicle's registered owner.
The legislation requires the City to adopt a Speed Safety System Use Policy and approve an Impact Report before purchasing or leasing equipment. Once the System is in place, warning citations will be issued for the first 60 days of operation. After that, civil penalties shall be assessed to non-emergency vehicles as follows: