Immediate Measures Officials Can Take
to make Point Lobos Safer

There are many concrete steps
that officials
can take right now to improve the dangerous conditions at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

We can Make Point Lobos Safer!

We can Make Point Lobos Safer!

Starting Right Now…

  • Immediately form a multi-agency Emergency Action Task Force that is charged with finding and implementing, in record time, fixes to the mess on Highway 1.

  • Remove at least 20 parking spaces at the narrow shoulder choke points on the west side of Highway 1 immediately south of Point Lobos (near the Highlands community).

  • Physically block narrow choke points on the Highway 1 shoulder to prevent drivers from flouting the parking prohibition. Vehicles parked at these choke points force pedestrians to walk on a busy, active highway.

  • Change the speed limit on Highway 1 between Monastery Beach to the Carmel Highlands from 55 and 45 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour.

  • Raise the fine for parking violations on this stretch of Highway 1. (The current fine is only $28; this is by county ordinance, Monterey County supervisors can change this!)

  • Increase the visibility, frequency, and clarity of parking signs around Point Lobos. Give clear guidance to motorists looking for parking in the vicinity of the Reserve.

  • Increase law enforcement to:

    • Actively keep pedestrians safe as they walk along the highway traveling to Point Lobos;

    • Keep traffic on the highway moving at legal speed

    • Prevent backups and jam ups at the Reserve entrance

    • Cite violators

  • Erect electronic signs on the highway in both directions so State Parks can inform drivers when they cannot enter the Reserve to park: “Parking lot full. NO STOPPING” This should help to keep traffic flowing and prevent long backups from vehicles queuing at the entrance waiting for the Reserve to reopen.