A bill aimed at reducing speeding-related fatalities along Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach passed the state Senate Tuesday, advancing a proposal to allow speed cameras along the corridor.
State Sen. Lena Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, authored Senate Bill 1279, which would allow Long Beach to install speed cameras along Pacific Coast Highway as part of California’s speed camera pilot program.
According to Gonzalez’s office, the eight-mile Long Beach stretch of PCH accounts for roughly 20% of the city’s traffic fatalities despite representing a small portion of the city’s roadway network.
Under current law, that corridor is excluded from the pilot program.
“Last year, Long Beach experienced its highest number of traffic fatalities in a decade, and an eight-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway accounts for a significant number of those deadly traffic incidents,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “By adding this corridor to California’s speed safety camera pilot program, SB 1279 will give Long Beach another proven tool to reduce dangerous speeding, make our streets safer, and save lives.”
Supporters of the measure said PCH in Long Beach passes through dense urban neighborhoods near schools, parks and libraries with significant pedestrian activity.
The legislation comes as California expands automated speed enforcement programs in several cities, including San Francisco.
According to the bill’s supporters, San Francisco has recorded a 72% decrease in speeding since implementing speed camera enforcement.
Long Beach Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga said residents along the corridor have dealt with dangerous speeding for years.
“District 7 residents and businesses have seen the impacts of dangerous speeding along this corridor for too long. This bill will save lives and improve safety on the PCH,” Uranga said.
The bill now heads to the state Assembly for consideration.