Two speed cameras would be installed along Pacific Coast Highway depending on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to approve the legislation.
Two speed cameras would be installed along Pacific Coast Highway, depending on Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to approve the legislation. Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.
Senator Lena Gonzalez initiated this bill in order to reduce car fatalities and improve road safety in her community. “At least 3 speed-related traffic fatalities have occurred in the first 8 months of this year on the small stretch of PCH that goes through Long Beach,” said Damian Kevitt, Executive Director, Streets Are For Everyone.
Throughout the 217 miles of roadway in Long Beach, only 8 miles on PCH led to roughly 20.3% of crash fatalities since 2020 in the area. San Francisco launched a pilot for speed cameras, which resulted in a 72% speeding decrease.
“The evidence from other California jurisdictions implementing automated speed enforcement is clear – speed cameras are uniquely effective at deterring dangerous driving,” said Marc T. Vukcevich, Director of State Policy, Streets For All.
Clear signage will indicate the area being “Photo Enforced”, with flashing beacons. Photographic records will remain confidential. First violation for vehicles going 11 to 15 miles over the speed limit will have a warning notice instead of a ticket.
“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,” said Gonzalez. “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.”