MALIBU—On Tuesday, September 15, the city of Malibu announced construction is underway on the PCH Speed Safety System, including installation of the speed detection cameras, poles, speed feedback signs, and other equipment. The new system will improve safety along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway.
Malibu’s public education and outreach phase is underway to help motorists understand how the system works, when warnings begin and what to expect when enforcement starts.
Since 2010, more than 60 people have died in traffic collisions along Malibu’s 21-mile section of PCH. In 2023 alone, there were 220 reported crashes on PCH resulting in 93 injuries and seven deaths. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), speed is a primary factor in a majority of traffic collisions resulting in injury or death. Speeding remains a significant concern on PCH.
The urgent need for action came into sharp focus in October 2023, when four Pepperdine University students were killed by a speeding driver while standing along PCH. After the incident, the city declared a PCH safety emergency and formed a coalition with state and county elected officials, LASD, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Caltrans, and community partners to identify and advance solutions.
The Speed Safety System was made possible through legislation authored by Senator Ben Allen and signed into law in September 2024, following advocacy by the city, community members, and partner agencies.
The automated speed enforcement program is one component of Malibu’s broader, multi-faceted approach to improving PCH safety, which includes legislative and policy efforts, continued law enforcement partnerships with LASD and CHP, roadway improvements, and public education and outreach.
Revenues from the program are to be used to recover the cost of implementing the program (equipment, staffing, etc.), and any remaining funds may be used to implement additional traffic safety calming measures on Pacific Coast Highway in close collaboration with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
-Late September 2026: A 60-day warning period begins. Motorists who exceed the violation threshold will receive warnings only.
-Late November 2026: Enforcement begins, with qualifying violations resulting in civil penalties. No license points or insurance penalties will apply.
The system uses lidar and cameras to detect vehicles traveling at least 11 MPH over the posted speed limit.
The system is designed to decrease dangerous speeding, prevent crashes and save lives. It will only record when a speed violation is detected, with strong privacy protections in place. The city will regularly report program performance and data to the Public Safety Commission and the public.
For more details about the system, camera locations, privacy protections, timeline and safety goals: www.MalibuCity.org/PCHsafetycameras.
By Danny Jones