An iconic California beach town’s rollout of speed cameras along the Pacific Coast Highway netted 100,000 speeders in less than 10 days of launch.
The City of Malibu installed several high tech speed cameras as part of its PCH Speed Safety System along a 21-mile stretch, with the testing phase taking place between mid-August to end of September.
The results were truly shocking with the four speed cameras — between September 16 through September 24 — recording approximately 100,000 speeding violations, city officials announced.
The majority of those violations were recorded in Eastern Malibu, specifcially in Carbon Canyon and Tuna Canyon.
Now the next phase is being pushed out to November to allow “necessary installation adjustments to be made” and make sure the enforcement program is ready to operate, officials said.
“The study is expected to conclude in November and is an important part of the City’s ongoing work to promote safe travel for residents, visitors, pedestrians, and cyclists.”
“The City appreciates the community’s patience and understanding while these installation and traffic-study efforts are completed and will share additional information about the November warning-period launch as it becomes available,” the announcement added.
The city said the safety system is necessary following dozens of fatal traffic accidents that have occurred along Malibu’s portion of PCH since 2010. Police said speed is the primary factor in a majority of traffic collisions resulting in injury.
“Our goal is to improve safety for everyone who uses Pacific Coast Highway, whether they are driving, biking, walking, visiting, or commuting through Malibu,” Malibu Mayor Bruce Silverstein said prior.
“We have seen unimaginable tragedy on Pacific Coast Highway caused by excessive speeding, and we must do everything we can to prevent future loss of life. This program honors those we have lost, protects those who use this roadway today, and encourages safer driving behaviors that save lives.”
Officials said during the testing phase the cameras are not issueing warnings or citations, or accessing driver information from the DMV.
The data collecting phase allows the city to assess existing conditions and make decisions about its traffic-safety efforts.
“Residents and visitors may see a camera flash when a speeding violation is detected during this testing period; however, the flash does not result in a warning or citation,” the announcement read.
“The City will continue to evaluate this information as it completes the necessary installation changes and traffic studies, with the goal of ensuring that the program is implemented thoughtfully and in support of public safety. “
Drivers have often criticized the technology as invasive and more about generating money than promoting safety.
Malibu emphasized that the cameras will not hold onto non-violation data and relevant violation information will be deleted within 60 days.
