A network of cameras aimed at addressing deadly speeding along Pacific Coast Highway is nearing completion, and Malibu officials announced Tuesday the start of the project’s public education phase.
The project, known as the PCH Speed Safety System, will use lidar technology and cameras to identify vehicles traveling at least 11 mph over the speed limit along the city’s 21-mile stretch of PCH. The system will photograph a vehicle’s rear license plate and generate a citation for review and processing.
Malibu is beginning a public education and outreach campaign that will provide residents and motorists with information about how the system works, where cameras will be located and when enforcement will begin.
“Our goal is to improve safety for everyone who uses Pacific Coast Highway, whether they are driving, biking, walking, visiting, or commuting through Malibu,” Mayor Bruce Silverstein said in a statement. “We have seen unimaginable tragedy on Pacific Coast Highway caused by excessive speeding, and we must do everything we can to prevent future loss of life.”
Under state law, Malibu can operate up to five automated speed-enforcement systems with a total of 10 cameras within city limits.
A 60-day warning period is scheduled to begin when the system is activated in late September. Motorists who exceed the speed threshold during that period will receive warnings rather than citations, according to the city.
Civil penalties are expected to begin in late November after the warning period ends. Violations issued through the system will not result in driver’s license points or insurance penalties.
Since 2010, more than 60 people have died in traffic collisions along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of PCH, city officials said. In 2023, 220 crashes were reported along the highway in Malibu, resulting in 93 injuries and seven deaths.
Calls for increased safety measures intensified after four Pepperdine University students were killed in October 2023 when they were struck by a speeding driver while standing along PCH. The city subsequently declared a PCH safety emergency and began working with state and county officials and law enforcement agencies on safety measures.
The automated enforcement program was authorized through state legislation authored by Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, and signed into law in September 2024.
Revenue generated by the program will first be used to cover implementation costs, including equipment and staffing. Remaining funds may be used for additional traffic-calming measures on PCH in coordination with Caltrans, according to the city.
City officials said cameras will begin recording only when a speed violation is detected. Data involving vehicles that are not in violation will be deleted immediately, while stored violation records will be destroyed within 60 days after a case is resolved, officials said.
The program also includes an appeals process and a diversion program for eligible low-income residents.
Additional information is available at malibucity.org/PCHsafetycameras.