Malibu Speed Cameras Issue 100,000 Tickets in Less Than 10 Days During Test Phase
The City of Malibu's new speed camera system along Pacific Coast Highway recorded a significant number of violations during its initial testing period.
Malibu, California – The City of Malibu's recent implementation of speed cameras along a 21-mile stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway resulted in approximately 100,000 speeding violations recorded during an initial testing phase spanning less than 10 days.
The speed cameras, part of the PCH Speed Safety System, were tested between mid-August and the end of September. City officials announced the high number of violations detected between September 16 and September 24. The majority of these violations were concentrated in the eastern areas of Malibu, specifically in Carbon Canyon and Tuna Canyon.
This next phase is scheduled for November, allowing for necessary adjustments to be made to the installation and ensuring the enforcement program is ready for operation. The study is expected to conclude in November, and officials stated it is a crucial part of the city's ongoing efforts to enhance safety for residents, visitors, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The city has cited dozens of fatal traffic accidents along its portion of the Pacific Coast Highway since 2010, with excessive speed being a primary factor in collisions resulting in injury. Malibu Mayor Bruce Silverstein emphasized the program's goal: "Our goal is to improve safety for everyone who uses Pacific Coast Highway, whether they are driving, biking, walking, visiting, or commuting through Malibu."
During the testing phase, the cameras were not issuing warnings or citations, nor were they accessing driver information from the DMV. The data collection was intended to help the city assess current conditions and inform decisions regarding traffic safety initiatives. Drivers may have observed camera flashes when speeding violations were detected, but these did not result in penalties.
Malibu officials also stated that non-violation data collected by the cameras will not be retained, and violation information will be deleted within 60 days. The city plans to share further details about the November warning period as they become available, aiming for a thoughtful implementation that supports public safety.