State law generally prohibits the systems from operating on state routes. Because PCH is State Route 1, Long Beach needs separate authorization from Sacramento to deploy cameras there. SB 1279 would create that exception and allow two additional cameras on PCH beyond the city’s existing 18-camera limit.
Long Beach has formally backed the effort. Mayor Rex Richardson wrote state lawmakers in March, saying PCH accounted for nearly 20% of traffic fatalities in the city despite making up less than 1% of its arterial roadway network.
The city initially supported allowing as many as six additional cameras on PCH, but lawmakers ultimately narrowed the legislation to two.
Under Long Beach’s Speed Safety System, cameras capture the rear license plate of a vehicle traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. Violations are civil penalties and citation information is not shared with the Long Beach Police Department or other law enforcement agencies, according to the city.
All violations result in warnings during the first 60 days of operation. A driver’s first violation for traveling between 11 and 15 mph over the limit also results in a warning if the driver did not receive one during that initial period.