Pacific Coast Highway Safety

City of Malibu Celebrates Completion of PCH Signal Synchronization Project with ribbon cutting feb. 4, 2026

The City of Malibu has completed the Pacific Coast Highway Signal Synchronization Project, the City’s most significant project in its history to improve traffic flow, congestion and safety on PCH. By synchronizing 12 traffic signals between Topanga Canyon Blvd and John Tyler Dr, Caltrans can now adjust signal timing in real time, reducing speeding and congestion, and improving traffic flow, and making the roadway safer for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians along PCH. 

The community is invited to join the City and its partner agencies and traffic safety advocates for a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, February 4, 10:00 AM at PCH and Webb Way (Triangle Lot). For parking, enter the  lot at 23835 Civic Center Way, just north of Webb Way. 
For more information: 

• Press Release
• Project Fact Sheet
  
  

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PRESS CONFERENCE ON PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY SAFETY INITIATIVES AND PCH TRAGEDY MEMORIAL, OCTOBER 17  

The City participated in a press conference and community remembrance on October 17 marking two years since the tragic loss of four Pepperdine University students killed by a speeding motorist while standing along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Councilmember Doug Stewart joined friends and family of the four Pepperdine students, as well representatives of Pepperdine University, LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Caltrans The event highlighted the progress already made and the measures that lie ahead in the comprehensive effort to improve safety on PCH.

In honor of the lives lost two years ago, the City of Malibu and its partners are taking concrete actions to make PCH safer for everyone.

• The City's PCH Signal Synchronization Project is completed.
• The City's Automated Speed Citation Camera System, made possible by the passage of SB 1297 (Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin) will be completed in early 2026.
• Increased LASD enforcement and a contract for CHP patrols.
• Injury collisions down 22%.
• Citations up 59%.
• $4.2 million in safety upgrades have been implemented by Caltrans.
• The City and LASD conducted a DUI checkpoint and saturation patrols this summer, funded by an $87,089 grant from California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
• The California State Transportation Agency, Caltrans and OTS launched a PCH safety public awareness campaign in May 2024, including 31 billboards placed along freeways outside Malibu, posters, lawn signs, social media messages, and “You Speed. You Pay. Go Safely PCH.” signs installed along PCH. 
• The City and Caltrans will be installing PCH Quickbuild Roundabouts in early 2026 at El Matador State Beach and Encinal Canyon Road to slow down traffic and increase safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Each improvement honors the memory of Niamh, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn — and moves us closer to preventing future tragedies.  

The GoFundMe to fund memorial benches at Point Dume in honor of the four young women was relaunched. The campaign, started in late 2024 and paused due to the recent fires, has raised $5,000 toward its $16,000 goal. Supporters are encouraged to donate at: gofundme.com/f/PCH-Pepperdine-Student-Memorial

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Malibu Speed Safety Program Progress (6/9/25)

The City of Malibu is committed to prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Following California State Legislature adoption of SB 1297, the City of Malibu is excited to announce the Malibu Speed Safety Program. The City recently hosted two meetings to provide more information about the Program and obtain community input regarding the Use Policy and Impact Report. A virtual meeting was held on April 23, 2025, and an in-person meeting was held on April 30, 2025.

The Draft Use Policy and Impact Report are available for review through July 18, 2025

Questions or comments should be submitted to publicsafety@malibucity.org

Next Steps

After the public review concludes on July 18, the Use Policy and Impact Reports will be presented to the City Council for adoption. Once adopted, the City can proceed with purchasing and installing the cameras.

Malibu Speed Safety Program Progress (5/20/25)

The City of Malibu is committed to prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Following California State Legislature adoption of SB 1297, the City of Malibu is excited to announce the Malibu Speed Safety Program.

The City recently hosted two meetings to provide more information about the Program and obtain community input regarding the Use Policy and Impact Report. A virtual meeting was held on April 23, 2025, and an in-person meeting was held on April 30, 2025.

Click here to watch a recording of the virtual meeting. 

Next Steps

The draft Use Policy and Impact Report will soon be posted to the City’s website for a 30-day public review. After the 30-day review, the Use Policy and Impact Reports will be presented to the City Council for adoption. Once adopted, the City can proceed with purchasing and installing the cameras.

Background 

Conditions on PCH have become increasingly dangerous over the years, with dozens of pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist fatalities and injuries, culminating in the deaths of four Pepperdine students on October 17, 2023. As a result of this horrific incident, Senate Bill (SB) 1297 was created and signed by the Governor on September 27, 2024. SB 1297 authorizes the installation of five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH within Malibu. 

Speed cameras detect speeding vehicles using radar or laser technology to measure speed. When a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit, the camera takes a picture or video of the vehicle, capturing its license plate, date, time, and location. This information is then checked to confirm the violation, and local authorities decide whether to give a warning or a speeding ticket to the vehicle's registered owner.

The legislation requires the City to adopt a Speed Safety System Use Policy and approve an Impact Report before purchasing or leasing equipment. Once the System is in place, Warning Citations will be issued for the first 60 days of operation. After that, civil penalties shall be assessed to non-emergency vehicles as follows:

• $50 for driving at a speed of 11 to 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
• $100 for driving at a speed of 16 to 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
• $200 for driving at a speed of 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.
• $500 for driving at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more.

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Caltrans to Host Two Virtual Meetings on Draft Pacific Coast Highway Master Plan Feasibility Study and Pavement Rehabilitation Projects, April 16 & May 12. 

PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD IS APRIL 9 - JUNE 9

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold two virtual public meetings Wednesday, April 16, 6:00 PM and Monday, May 12, 1:00 PM for two pavement rehabilitation projects and to share a draft of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Master Plan Feasibility Study. 

Wednesday, April 16, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 
Meeting link: Cisco Webex Meetings
Call-in Number: 1-408-418-9388
Access Code: 2499 288 6764      
Password: PCHMasterPlan04 (72462783 when dialing from a phone or video system)        

Monday, May 12, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. 
Meeting link: Cisco Webex Meetings
Call-in Number: 1-408-418-9388 
Access Code: 2480 730 3675 
Password: PCHMasterPlan05 (72462783 when dialing from a phone or video system)  

For more information about the PCH Master Plan and the pavement projects, visit the Caltrans Engage website. 

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Michelin Mobility Intelligence PCH Analysis

CITY OF MALIBU ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO LA COUNTY SHERIFF'S REPORT OF FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION ON PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ON JULY 4

The City of Malibu is deeply saddened to learn of a report that another fatal traffic collision occurred last night, July 4, 2024, on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at Carbon Canyon Road. In a press release provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department details stated Thursday, July 4, 2024, at approximately 10:17 PM, deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of PCH and Carbon Canyon Road. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Mercedes Benz, traveling eastbound on PCH, crossed the center median for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac traveling westbound. Tragically, the driver of the Cadillac succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The identities of the individuals involved are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The passenger of the Cadillac and the driver of the Mercedes Benz sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and further details will be provided as they become available. This investigation is currently ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. Mayor of Malibu, Steve Uhring, expressed his deep sympathy and concern over the incident: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from last night's accident. This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of the City's ongoing efforts to address safety on Pacific Coast Highway. The Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is seeking witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information is urged to contact the station at 818-878-1808. For media inquiries, contact: Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, Sgt. James Arens at 818-878-1808 or jcarens@lasd.org.

Community Launch Event for “Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow,” the City's PCH Safety Education and Awareness Campaign

Thursday, June 27, 5:00 PM, Malibu Bluffs Park 

Learn how you can be part of the community-wide effort to make PCH safer for our community! Join City of Malibu leaders, law enforcement, community members, community advocates and partner agencies for the launch of the City’s PCH safety campaign "Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow” Thursday, June 27, 5:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park (PCH at Malibu Canyon Road).

SB 1297 to Allow Speed Camera Systems in Malibu Passes Out of Assembly Transportation Committee

June 18, 2024 - Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), which authorizes the use of speed camera systems in designated areas of Malibu, successfully passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee on June 17. This pivotal legislation aims to enhance road safety and reduce speeding-related incidents in the community.

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. The bill will now advance to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee for further consideration. For details, see the press release. 

PCH TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UPDATE - JANUARY - APRIL, 2024

Malibu - Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Enforcement Report: January - April 2024

• Total collisions = 70
• Fatal traffic collisions: 0
• Total number of fatalities: 0
• Injury traffic collisions: 24
• Property damage only traffic collisions: 46
• Total number of people injured in collisions: 35
• Total traffic citations issued: 1,793

January - April 2023

• Total collisions = 76
• Fatal traffic collisions: 1
• Total number of fatalities: 1
• Injury traffic collisions: 34
• Property damage only traffic collisions: 41
• Total number of people injured in collisions: 56
• Total traffic citations issued: 1,613

CHP - West Valley Malibu Enforcement Report: January - April, 2024

• Speeding Citations: 1,057
• *Speeding in excess of 100 MPH: 1
• *Reckless driving: 1
• *Unsafe turn or lane change: 11
• *Following too close: 4
• *Distracted driving: 23
• *Seatbelt violations: 8
• Equipment violation citations: 77
• All other citations: 59
• TOTAL: 1,241

*These categories only represent March 2024 - April, 2024

City of Malibu Applauds Senate Approval of Critical Roadway Safety Legislation

May 24, 2024 - The City of Malibu is proud to announce that two critical pieces of state legislation aimed at enhancing roadway safety have successfully advanced out of the Senate. These legislative measures include the implementation of speed cameras on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu and stricter penalties for excessive speeding. This action represents significant steps forward in the collaborative effort to reduce traffic collisions, injuries and fatalities on PCH in the City of Malibu. SB 1297 passed the Senate 36-3 on May 20, 2024 and will next be considered by the and SB 1509 passed the Senate 27-1 on May 22, 2024. Both bills will next move to the Assembly’s Transportation Committee.

The approved bills SB 1297 and SB 1509, were authored by Senator Ben Allen and Senator Henry Stern, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving public safety on California’s roadways. The City of Malibu extends its deepest gratitude to these Senators for their leadership and dedication.

“The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are immensely grateful to Senators Allen and Stern for their tireless efforts to advance these vital pieces of legislation,” said Steve Uhring, Mayor of Malibu. “Their support and vision are instrumental in helping us achieve a safer PCH for everyone.”

SB 1297 (Allen) would establish five speed safety systems along Malibu’s 21 miles of PCH, providing a critical tool for law enforcement to deter speeding and improve traffic safety. These cameras will automatically record vehicles exceeding the speed limit, issuing citations to offenders and thereby reducing the incidence of dangerous driving behaviors.

“Too many people have died on this stretch of roadway that is so vital for thousands of daily commuters and Malibu’s 15 million annual visitors,” said Senator Allen, whose 24th State Senate District includes Malibu. “Enforcement, alongside education and engineering improvements, will be critical in preventing future tragedies. SB 1297 gives our law enforcement officers an indispensable tool to slow down traffic and save lives.”

SB 1509 (Stern) introduces stricter penalties for excessive speeding by assigning two points against a driver’s license for convictions of driving 26 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This measure aims to discourage reckless driving and enhance accountability among motorists.

Senator Henry Stern, 27^th District, expressed his commitment to road safety as the motivation behind the legislation: "SB 1509 represents a vital step forward in ensuring the safety of our roadways by holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions, so we can prevent unnecessary loss of life and make sure our roads are safer, not only in Malibu but throughout California.”

STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE NEW “GO SAFELY PCH” DRIVER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND GIVE UPDATES ON SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS TO PCH IN MALIBU - ma7 8, 2024

State, County and Malibu officials and law enforcement held a press conference to announce the “Go Safely PCH” driver education campaign May 8 at the site of the Ghost Tires Memorial commemorating the 60 people who have lost their lives on PCH in the last 10 years, as well new traffic safety improvements on PCH. 

From left: Douglas Young, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Assistant Chief, Southern Division; Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Administration (CalSTA); Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Malibu City Manager Steve McClary; Barbara Rooney, Director, California Office of Traffic Safety (Cal OTS); Malibu Councilmember Paul Grisanti; Tony Tavares, Director, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); Malibu Councilmember Marianne Riggins; Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock; Malibu Councilmember Bruce Silverstein; Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring. 

Mayor Steve Uhring addressing the media. 

GO SAFELY PCH DRIVER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN

The campaign is meant to raise awareness and change driver behavior to make PCH in Malibu safer. Officials announced actions being taken at the state and local level to reduce deaths and serious injuries on PCH and make it safer for residents, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Speakers included Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Administration (CalSTA); Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Barbara Rooney, Director, California Office of Traffic Safety (Cal OTS); Douglas Young, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Assistant Chief, Southern Division; Tony Tavares, Director, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); Steve Uhring, Mayor, City of Malibu. 

For decades, PCH safety has been a top priority for Malibu. The City Council declared a local state of emergency to address the increasingly dangerous conditions on the highway, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students struck by a speeding driver while walking along PCH in October 2023. 

The CalSTA and Cal OTS campaign includes 31 billboards placed along freeways outside Malibu, as well posters, lawn signs, and social media advertising. The officials and law enforcement attending the press conference signed the pledge wall, making a commitment to do their part to slow down and drive safely as part of the collective effort to make PCH safer. 

See the GoSafelyPCH campaign website. 

Take the online pledge to commit to slowing down and driving safely on PCH.

For more details about the GoSafelyPCH campaign, see the press release. 

For more information about the City’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage. 

PCH SAFETY UPGRADES:

• Caltrans is investing $4.2 million for multiple safety upgrades to PCH infrastructure, including: 
  • lane separators to prevent vehicles from drifting into oncoming traffic or making illegal turns, 
  • crosswalk striping at all locations for increased visibility for drivers and pedestrians, 
  • more visible road striping, and more speed limit and curve warning signs.

INCREASED ENFORCEMENT:

• Beginning in January, the City approved a long-term contract with the CHP to add three full-time officers to help the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) with traffic enforcement on PCH in Malibu for the first time since 1991. CHP officers issued more than 1,200 citations through April, more than 1,000 of which were for speeding.
• CalOTS provided $555,000 in additional funding to LASD, Los Angeles Police Department and Santa Monica Police Department for increased enforcement on PCH.

"SAFE ON PCH," WEEK-LONG SAFE DRIVING SERIES AT MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL, APRIL 29 - MAY 3

For more information, visit website: bit.ly/3uZG74T

MALIBU SENDS DELEGATION OF CITY OFFICIALS TO ADVOCATE FOR PASSAGE OF TWO SENATE BILLS TO HELP MAKE PCH AND ALL ROADS IN CALIFORNIA SAFER. BOTH BILLS PASS KEY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Allen (co-authored by Assemblymember Irwin and Senators Stern and Friedman), would expand the State's automated speed safety pilot program to allow the City of Malibu to participate. The City has advocated for the installation of the systems on PCH that can automatically issue citations to speeding motorists as one of the steps to help improve safety on PCH. 

AB 1509, a bill to improve highway safety by making convictions for reckless driving stricter, was approved by the CA Senate Transportation Committee. Malibu officials were in Sacramento to advocate for the Bill as part of the effort to address PCH safety. The NOT in California Act, introduced by Senator Stern (co-authored by Senators Allen, Niello, Seyarto and Umberg), would amend the CA Vehicle Code to make convictions of driving 26 MPH or greater over the posted speed limit, a two-point violation against a person’s driver's license. 

The City sent a special delegation to Sacramento to provide testimony and advocate for their passage, with Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown. They were joined by Barry Stewart, whose daughter Peyton was one of the four Pepperdine students who were tragically killed by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH in October 2023, and Michel Shane, whose 13-year-old daughter Emily was tragically killed by a motorist while walking on PCH in 2010. Shane produced the powerful, moving film "21 Miles" about the dangers of PCH Malibu and the need to improve safety conditions on the highway.

UPDATE ON CHP TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN MALIBU

Between March 11 and 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 109 citations (88 for speeding; two for distracted driving; one for a seatbelt violation; and 18 for equipment violations). Four verbal warning were issued. One driver was stopped for speeding, and was arrested for DUI. Year-to-date, the CHP Malibu Taskforce has issued 721 citations. 

CITY COUNCIL URGES STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS TO MAKE STRICTER PENALTIES FOR EXCESSIVE SPEEDING

The City Council on March 25 approved sending a letter urging Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, and Caltrans Director Tony Tavares to work collaboratively to make changes to the State Vehicle Code to help address PCH safety. The changes include: 

• Anybody who exceeds 100 MPH shall lose their driver's license for three months, and anybody who exceeds 100 MPH more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver's license for six months.
• Anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit shall lose their driver's license for one month, and anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit more than once in a 12-month period shall lose their driver's license for two months. 
• The loss of license in these instances shall be mandatory not discretionary.

For more details, see the staff report. 

UPDATE ON CHP TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN MALIBU

Between March 11 and 17, the Malibu CPH Task Force issued 42 citations (36 for speeding, four for other moving violations, one was for distracted driving, and one for a seatbelt violation). Three verbal warnings for speed were also issued. The year-to-date total is 654. 

CITY COUNCIL TO SEND LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR SENATE BILL TO MAKE STRICTER PENALTIES FOR EXCESSIVE SPEEDING

The City Council approved sending a letter of support for Senate Bill 1509, which would create stricter penalties for excessive speeding. The "NOT in California Act," introduced by State Senator Henry Stern, a longtime Malibu resident and former representative of Malibu in the Senate, would make driving 26 MPH or more over the posted speed a "two-point violation." Negligent operator points are given for convictions of traffic safety laws, and can result in increased auto insurance rates, and potentially loss or suspension of a driver's license. Other two-point violations in California include DUI, hit and run and reckless driving. The letter of support is an opportunity for the City of Malibu to support meaningful legislation aimed at improving road safety in our community. For more information, see the staff report. 

UPDATE ON CHP TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN MALIBU

Between March 4 and March 10, the CHP Malibu Taskforce officers issued 87 citations (77 for speeding; six for other moving violations; one for unsafe turning; one for distracted driving; one for a seatbelt violation; and one for an equipment violation). Three verbal warnings were issued. A motorcyclist going 115 MPH was arrested for reckless driving. Year-to-date, the CHP Malibu Taskforce issued 612 citations. The City signed a long-term contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu starting in January 2024. This active, visible enforcement sends a strong signal that speeding and reckless driving in Malibu will not be tolerated. For more information on the City's efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage.

chp malibu enforcement update

The CHP Malibu Task Force reported on its traffic enforcement work as part of the efforts to improve PCH safety. From February 26 to March 3, they issued 78 citations including during several days of rain, 74 for speeding, 1 or unsafe turning, 1 for distracted driving, and 1 for an equipment violation. One verbal warning for speed was also issued. The City signed a long-term contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu as part of the City's efforts to address PCH safety. This active, visible enforcement sends a strong signal that speeding and reckless driving in Malibu will not be tolerated. 

chp malibu taskforce officers introduced to the community

The new Malibu CHP Task Force joined the City Public Safety Commission on Feb. 7 to introduce themselves to the Commission and the community and report on their recent enforcement work. From Jan. 29 to Feb. 11 (numbers updated Feb. 12), the CHP officers issued 154 total citations (several of those days during heavy rain); 151 citations for speeding; 3 for other Primary Collision Factors; 8 for equipment violations; 10 verbal warnings for speed. A motorist speeding at 100 mph was stopped and arrested for DUI. Separately, on Feb. 8, several CHP officers not assigned to the Malibu Task Force were deployed in Malibu for targeted traffic enforcement, resulting in 23 moving violation citations and 16 non-moving violation citations. (Malibu will not be billed for those hours). 

The CHP Malibu Taskforce Officers are Sergeant Lopez (Supervisor), Officer Heitmann, Officer Pickens, and Officer Nolan. 

The City recently contracted for the team of three CHP officers to conduct full-time traffic enforcement patrols seven days a week, dedicated to Malibu only, in response to PCH safety concerns. The City declared a local emergency on Nov. 13 in response to increasingly dangerous conditions on PCH culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH. 

MALIBU APPROVES LONG-TERM CONTRACT TO BRING BACK CHP PATROLS TO MALIBU TO IMPROVE PCH SAFETY 

1/22/2024 - The City of Malibu is pleased to announce the approval of a long-term contract with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to establish a dedicated three-officer traffic enforcement taskforce to patrol Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within City Limits. On January 22, 2024, the Malibu City Council approved the contract for the term of two years, with a financial commitment not to exceed $2 million dollars. Active, visible traffic enforcement is one of the most immediate ways to make PCH safer, and will send a message that speeding and reckless driving will not be tolerated in Malibu.   Despite PCH being under Caltrans jurisdiction, the City remains committed to doing everything possible within its jurisdictional ability to make PCH safer. For details, see the staff report. 

CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION ON 2024 PCH SAFETY REPORT & UPDATED PROJECT PRIORITIES, meant to move projects forward faster

1/22/2024 - The City staff presented the new 2024 PCH Safety Report meant to track and update City’s and Caltrans’ public safety improvement projects on PCH, at the January 22 Council meeting. The Council directed staff to perform a feasibility study of all potential calming measures on PCH that could be implemented immediately, including the proposals by Mayor Steve Uhring and Councilmember Bruce Silverstein. Staff will report back to the City Council on March 11 with recommendations, timelines, cost estimates, jurisdictional control and feasibility. Details about the March 11 meeting will be posted in advance on the website and social media. 

The 2024 report included an update on the status of the 130 projects in the City’s 2015 PCH Safety Plan. Of the City-initiated projects, 53 are in planning, design, under construction or completed. The 130 project are estimated to cost $52 million, with $28 million in funding already available, and $24 million in funding needed. There are 6 Caltrans projects that are in design, under construction, or complete. The City has also initiated five projects not identified in the 2015 PCH Safety Plan. 

Although PCH is a state highway under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, the City is committed doing everything within it jurisdictional ability to improve PCH safety. In recent years, conditions on PCH have grown increasingly hazardous, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine Students struck by a speeding motorist on Oct. 17, 2023. The City Council declared a local state of emergency to address PCH safety on Nov. 13, 2023. See the complete 2024 PCH Safety Report.

CHP CONDUCTS SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN MALIBU

1/13/2024 - The California Highway Patrol (CHP) carried out a targeted traffic enforcement operation in Malibu on Saturday, January 13, aimed at promoting road safety and addressing traffic violations. The operation involved the deployment of four dedicated officers who diligently enforced traffic laws throughout the day, issuing a total of 78 citations. The citations included:

• 63 speeding citations
• 6 seatbelt citations
• 2 unsafe turn citations
• 1 stop sign violation
• 1 cellphone violation
• 5 equipment violations

Malibu’s law enforcement partners remain committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and will continue to conduct proactive enforcement operations to deter unsafe driving practices. Increased enforcement efforts such as the January 13 operation serve as a reminder that traffic violations will not be tolerated, and consequences will be enforced to maintain public safety. 

See press release

Heightened Concerns for Safety on PCH Following 10th Accident Since Tragic Incident in October

1/12/2024 - On (January 11), around 9:00 PM authorities responded to a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Las Flores. The incident resulted in minor to moderate injuries, and an ongoing DUI investigation revealed that the driver involved had an active warrant for DUI-related charges.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the recent accident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness. The repeated incidents on PCH highlight the urgency for addressing potential hazards and implementing measures to prevent further tragedies.

This unfortunate event marks the tenth (10th) accident on PCH since the devastating incident on October 17, where four Pepperdine students lost their lives due to a speeding motorist. The frequency of accidents in this area is the reason for ongoing concerns about the safety of this particular stretch of road.

The City of Malibu community stands united in advocating for improved safety measures on PCH and seeks collaborative solutions to address the ongoing challenges faced by residents and commuters. As discussions continue, local authorities are committed to working with Caltrans to implement effective strategies for enhancing road safety.

NEW "LIDAR" SPEED GUNS PURCHASED FOR TRAFFIC SAFETY ENFORCEMENT 

1/2/2024 - As part of the City's efforts to address PCH safety, the City purchased six LiDAR (light detection and ranging) speed guns to assist the LA County Sheriff’s Department in its traffic safety enforcement activities on PCH and canyon roads in City limits. A digital video camera was also purchased, which collects evidence for speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving violations. The LiDAR technology uses eye-safe laser to “see” the world in 3D, making it possible to pinpoint a particular vehicle in dense traffic. Enforcement of traffic laws is greatly enhanced by speed measuring equipment. Excessive speed is consistently found to be one of the most common contributing factors to injury and fatality traffic collisions on PCH, and speeding is the most commonly cited traffic violation on PCH, according to LASD. For more information see the staff report.

EXTENSION OF DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS PCH SAFETY 

1/8/2024 - On January 8, the City Council approved extending the declaration of a local emergency that the Council approved on November 13, 2023. The declaration was in response to the increase of reckless and illegal driving on PCH, and directed staff to coordinate efforts with other governmental agencies to increase attention and create programs to reduce the risk and danger associated with PCH in the City. The emergency declaration gives the City additional power to take quick action to address matters of public safety. For more information, see the staff report. 

PCH MEDIAN IMPROVEMENT PROJECT APPROVED

1/8/2024 - On January 8, the City Council approved a contract for the PCH Median Project, which would improve the existing raised median on PCH between John Tyler Drive and Puerco Canyon Road. The project will include construction of new stamped concrete, new pavement striping and markers, and storm drain improvements. Raised medians improve highway safety by reducing illegal U-turns and helping prevent vehicles from veering into opposite lanes of traffic. This $5,750,000 project is funded using Metro Measure R transportation funds. For more information, see the staff report.  

SCREENING OF "21 MILES IN MALIBU" DOCUMENTARY ABOUT THE NEED TO MAKE PCH SAFE IN MALIBU, JANUARY 18 at smc-malibu campus. 

1/8/2024 - NOTE:  RSVPs are required. The event is at capacity, and a waitlist has been created. To be placed on the waitlist, register at www.MalibuCity.org/ArtTalks. As part of the City's efforts to improve safety on PCH, the Malibu Arts Commission is partnering with Shane Gang Pictures and Santa Monic College (SMC) to host a free, public screening of "21 Miles in Malibu" at the SMC Malibu campus on Thursday, January 18, 6:00 PM. The powerful documentary was produced by Malibu resident Michel Shane to raise awareness about the need to change the dangerous conditions on PCH after his 13-year- old daughter was tragically killed by a motorist while walking along the highway. Following the screening, local leaders will discuss PCH safety conditions and efforts to make improvements. 

CITY STATEMENT ON HIIGH-SPEED, HIT & RUN, FOUR-CAR COLLISION ON PCH

1/5/2024 - Malibu saw another major high-speed traffic collision on PCH with a four-car, hit-and-run crash near Big Rock Drive on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, speed was a factor. The suspect was estimated to be going over 100 MPH and fled the scene on foot after the collision. Several people reported minor to moderate injuries. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. The City sends its well wishes for a full and fast recovery to the people who were injured. Although PCH is a state highway controlled by Caltrans, the City is committed to doing everything possible within its jurisdictional ability to improve safety conditions on PCH together with our law enforcement, County, and State partner agencies. Any witnesses or residents who may have security camera footage of the collision are urged to contact the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at (818) 878-1808.  

CITY STATEMENT ON MOST RECENT TRAFFIC FATALITY ON PCH IN MALIBU 

1/3/2024 - On the evening of December 24, 2023, a motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a passenger car on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) south of Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu. The City’s thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event. The City is committed to working with Caltrans in its efforts to improve safety conditions on PCH while simultaneously exploring ways that the City can address PCH safety concerns within its jurisdictional ability.

CITY PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION TO HEAR UPDATES ON EFFORTS TO MAKE PCH SAFE, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

1/2/2024 - The City's Public Safety Commission will hear updates on the City's ongoing efforts to make PCH safer for residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists at the Commission's meeting on Wednesday, January 3, 5:00 PM at Malibu City Hall. This meeting is in-person only. The agenda and staff report are posted on the website.  

MALIBU - LOST HILLS STATION DEPUTIES CONDUCT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION IN MALIBU 

1/2/2024 - On Wednesday, December 27, Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Motor Deputies conducted a traffic enforcement operation in the City of Malibu. A total of 61 citations were issued, 52 of those citations were for speeding. Other violations included Red Light Violation, Cellphone, Unlicensed Driver, etc. Thanks to funding from the City of Malibu, starting January 1, 2024, CHP will be providing additional traffic officers on PCH, as a collaborated effort to enhance traffic safety in Malibu. Watch the Sheriff's Department video. 

 

California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin and State Officials Tour Pacific Coast Highway to Improve Public Safety

12/18/2023 - In a proactive response to recent tragic events on PCH, California Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin joined Mayor Steve Uhring, Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary and officials from Caltrans, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the LA County Sheriff’s Department for a tour of Malibu’s section of PCH on December 18. Caltrans traffic safety engineers led the on a bus tour of a large section of PCH for a comprehensive assessment of safety conditions on the highway. The tour included a somber walk of the crash site where four Pepperdine students were killed by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH on October 17. The delegation also held a meeting at City Hall to share updates from their respective agencies and discuss ideas, opportunities, timelines and challenges in the collective effort to make PCH safer. Secretary Omishakin announced that $4.25 million dollars have been allocated under a Caltrans “Director's Order” for safety improvements on PCH that are expected to start in in January and be complete in April 2024. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee discussed the City’s long-term contract to bring CHP patrols and enforcement back to PCH in Malibu starting in January. See the Director's Order projects: PCH Caltrans Safety Projects Fact Sheet  For more details and photos, see the press release.

LETTER FROM ASSEMBLYMEMBER IRWIN & SENATOR ALLEN TO CALTRANS CALLING FOR PROGRESS ON PRIORITY PCH PROJECTS

12/4/2023 - Letter from Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and Senator Ben Allen to Rachel Carpenter, Chief Safety Officer of Caltrans calling on Caltrans to finalize the list of “Short Term Improvements,” and identify timelines and funding for each project. 

STREET WORK GETS UNDERWAY PCH ON PCH TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT, THE CITY'S MOST SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO DATE TO IMPROVE SAFETY ON PCH

12/4/2023 - Street work gets underway this week on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) starting between Topanga Canyon and Big Rock Drive in Malibu the week of December 4 on Malibu’s Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, the City’s most significant measure to date to improve safety and mobility on PCH. The project will make PCH a safer "Smart Corridor" by installing communication lines between the existing traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive to synchronize the signals to existing traffic conditions. It will allow signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion. See details about the project. 

See Press Release

CITY CONTRACT TO BRING BACK CHP PATROLS TO PCH IN MALIBU

11/27/2023 - City Manager Steve McClary gave an update to the City Council on November 27 about the short-term contract he signed with the CHP to immediately provide interim patrols of PCH in Malibu in order to improve safety on PCH. The CHP is already out patrolling PCH in Malibu. There have been no regular CHP patrols in Malibu since the City was incorporated in 1991. The move is in response to the increasingly dangerous conditions on PCH in recent years, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students who were struck by a speeding driver while walking along PCH on October 17. The City Council declared a local emergency to address PCH safety on November 13, giving the City Manager the ability to quickly approve the short-term contract. The short-term contract is to pay for patrols on an overtime basis, so officers must volunteer to cover shifts. The LA County Sheriff’s Department and the CHP will work together to ensure the additional patrols are during the days and times when they are most needed. Meanwhile, the City is working on the long-term contract for permanent CHP patrols, which is expected to go into effect in January 2024.

PCH SPEED AND STREET RACING OPERATION

11/14/2023 - The Lost Hills Sheriff's Department, in partnership with their Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), conducted a speeding and street racing operation on PCH throughout Malibu, resulting in 33 issued citations (31 for speed violations, 2 for driving on a suspended license, 1 DUI arrest, and 2 reckless driving/racing arrests where vehicles were impounded for 30 days. The operation emphasizes a commitment on behalf of the LA County Sheriff's Department to improve safety on the 21 miles of PCH. The City of Malibu will continue to work closely with Caltrans, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and our other partner agencies to find ways to make PCH safer for residents, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

ACTIONS & UPDATES FROM PCH TASKFORCE MEETING TO ADDRESS PCH SAFETY, NOVEMBER 14 AT CITY HALL

11/13/2023 - The City of Malibu hosted a special public meeting of the PCH Taskforce with City, County and State elected officials, Caltrans and the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to discuss efforts to make PCH safer, on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at City Hall. Watch video of the meeting.

State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, State Senator Ben Allen, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring, Malibu City Manager Steve McClary, Public Safety Commission Chair Christ Frost, Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Captain Jennifer Seetoo and Caltrans District leadership participated.

Nearly 100 community members attended and participated in the discussion, including David Rolston, father of Niamh Rolston, and Barry Stewart, whose daughter Peyton Stewart were two of the four Pepperdine students who were tragically killed by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH Octobe 17, and Michel Shane, whose daughter Emily Shane was killed while walking on PCH in 2010. The meeting was covered by numerous newspaper, TV and radio news organizations. 

The PCH Taskforce is a coalition of law enforcement, traffic engineers, Caltrans, and local and state elected officials that work to find solutions to make PCH safer for all users, from the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to the Ventura County line. 

All of the parties gave updates on their efforts, including lowering speed limits, increasing traffic enforcement, getting speed cameras, increasing funding, and various traffic safety and engineering projects. 

Supervisor Horvath is working on permanent enhanced traffic safety enforcement from the Sheriff's Department on PCH to ensure that we can sustain Capt. Seetoo’s current enhanced enforcement. 

Senator Allen and Assemblymember Irwin will be co-authoring a bill to allow photo speed cameras on PCH in Malibu.

City Manager McClary announced that the City and CHP are currently working on a contract to bring back CHP patrols to PCH in Malibu in early 2024. The City has begun working on getting PCH in Malibu designated a Public Safety Corridor. The City is funding overtime for an additional Officer per shift. 

Captain Seetoo has already begun enhanced traffic safety enforcement and additional patrols on PCH in Malibu. 

The City thanks Assemblymember Irwin, Senator Allen, County Supervisor Horvath and the Malibu Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station for their participation, and their ongoing hard work and attention to make PCH safer. Community members are urged to continue to contact their local elected officials to voice their support for ongoing efforts to improve PCH safety in Malibu. 

PCH safety has always been a top priority for the City, as PCH is a major state highway, controlled by Caltrans, that runs through the entire length of the City, and is Malibu’s main street with hundreds of homes within feet of the highway. Conditions on PCH have become increasingly dangerous in recent years, with dozens of pedestrian, cyclist and motorist fatalities and injuries, culminating in the deaths of Pepperdine students Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams on October 17. The City Council approved declaring a local state of emergency to address the PCH safety crisis on November 13. 

The City will be posting any progress, meetings or events related to the efforts to make PCH safer on the website and social media. 

Watch video of the meeting.

See the City Manager’s presentation. 

See Captain Seetoo’s presentation.

See the factsheet on what the City has done to improve PCH safety in recent years.

See the PCH Safety Study webpage (including background information and a link to the actual final Study).

See Press Release

CITY DECLARES LOCAL EMERGENCY TO ADDRESS PCH SAFETY

11/13/2023 - The Malibu City Council declared a Local Emergency on Nov. 13, 2023 aimed at addressing the risks to public safety of dangerous, illegal, reckless, and/or distracted driving on Pacific Coast Highway in the City. The action was in response to the increasingly hazardous conditions on PCH in City limits in recent years, which have become a public safety threat for residents, visitors, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists who use PCH and live, work and recreate on PCH. The PCH safety crisis culminated in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students who were struck by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH on October 17. Video of the Council's discussion is available to view at https://www.youtube.com/live/P29AX2DPZjg?si=HHhMnW53gRRaaXrl&;;t=10988. (Clip starts at 3:03:08)

CITY STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO QUADRUPLE PEDESTRIAN FATALITY ON PCH OCTOBER 17, 2023

10/17/23 - The City of Malibu is committed to doing everything possible to improve safety on our 21 miles of PCH, which has long been a top priority for the community. The City was shocked and saddened by the loss of the four Pepperdine University students on October 17. Our hearts are with all of those who have been impacted by this tragedy. While the City does not control PCH, since its incorporation, Malibu has worked closely with Caltrans, the LA County Sheriff’s Department and our other partner agencies to find ways to make PCH safer for residents, motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. We will continue to push for resources to achieve a higher level of safety for our community. The City has steadfastly taken steps to enhance safety on PCH, and will continue to do so, including these projects and programs: