California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently reviewing Senate Bill 1279, which, if signed, would permit the city of Long Beach to install speed cameras along a dangerous section of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This proposed measure comes in response to a significant number of traffic fatalities and injuries on an eight-mile stretch of the coastal road.
According to city data, this specific segment of PCH has accounted for approximately 20% of Long Beach's traffic deaths since 2020, with 39 out of 192 total fatalities occurring there. In the first eight months of 2026, at least three individuals died in speed-related accidents along this corridor, as noted by Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone.
State Senator Lena Gonzalez, a proponent of the bill, stated that the addition of speed safety cameras would provide Long Beach with a proven tool to curb excessive speeding and enhance street safety. "Everyone should be able to travel along PCH safely, whether they are driving to work, walking to school, biking to the park or simply crossing the street in their neighborhood," Gonzalez said.
The proposed system would involve cameras automatically photographing the rear license plates of speeding vehicles. Information collected would remain confidential, and drivers would be alerted to the camera's presence via warning signs. The system is designed with a grace period for first-time offenders; those caught traveling 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit would receive a warning instead of a citation. However, repeat offenders could face fines escalating from $50 to $200, depending on the speed, with violations exceeding 100 mph potentially resulting in a $500 ticket. Provisions for low-income drivers include options for reduced fines, payment plans, or community service in lieu of full payment.
Kevitt emphasized the urgency of implementing these safety measures, citing the current year's fatality statistics. He commended Senator Gonzalez's efforts and stated, "It’s imperative that these speed safety systems be implemented as soon as possible to help prevent further loss of life."
While Long Beach already has authorization for speed cameras in other areas, PCH has been specifically excluded under existing state legislation. SB 1279 aims to remove this impediment, but the deployment of the cameras is contingent on Governor Newsom's decision. He has until September 30 to either sign or veto the bill. If signed into law, the city could proceed with the two-camera pilot program on the scenic highway.