Gov. Gavin Newsom is considering whether to sign off on a tougher approach to speeding on one of California’s best-known roads, as Long Beach moves closer to installing speed cameras along Pacific Coast Highway.
The proposal, Senate Bill 1279, has cleared the state Legislature and would authorize Long Beach to place two speed enforcement cameras along an eight-mile section of PCH that city officials and safety advocates describe as a deadly traffic corridor.
Since 2020, that stretch has been the site of roughly 20% of all traffic deaths in Long Beach. Of the city’s 192 traffic fatalities during that period, 39 occurred along the corridor.
Speed-related crashes have continued to take lives there as well. During the first eight months of 2026, at least three people were killed in such collisions along the roadway, according to Damian Kevitt, executive director of Streets Are For Everyone.
“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,” state Sen. Lena Gonzalez (D) said, according to NBCLA.
“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,” Gonzalez said.
Under the measure, the cameras would automatically capture images of the rear license plates of vehicles exceeding the speed limit. Those records would remain confidential, and signs would alert drivers that automated speed cameras are in use.
The system would include a grace period for first-time offenders. A driver caught going 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit would receive a warning rather than a ticket the first time.
Repeat offenders could face fines ranging from $50 to $200 depending on how far over the limit they are traveling. Drivers caught going more than 100 mph could receive a $500 ticket.
Drivers with low incomes would be eligible for reduced fines, payment plans or, in some cases, community service instead of paying the full penalty.
Kevitt said the cameras are needed quickly given the number of deaths already recorded this year.
“We applaud Senator Gonzalez for her work to get SB 1279 to the Governor’s desk. It’s imperative that these speed safety systems be implemented as soon as possible to help prevent further loss of life,” Kevitt told the outlet.
Long Beach already has authorization to deploy speed cameras in other locations, but PCH was specifically excluded under existing state law.
SB 1279 would remove that roadblock — but the cameras are not a done deal yet.
Newsom must decide whether to sign or veto the bill by Sept. 30. If he signs it, Long Beach could move forward with the two-camera pilot program on the scenic coastal highway.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
