05:41 PM CDT on Monday, August 22, 2005

By Mike Zientek / 11 News

Red light cameras could be catching Houston drivers in the act by Thanksgiving.

KHOU

The cameras will snap a picture of the vehicle's license plate as it cruises through the red light.

A lot of Houston drivers aren't thrilled with the idea of being busted on camera. Others aren't the least bit concerned.

"I don't run red lights so I'm not worried about that," said Laddy Sanderson. "I mean if I ran a lot of red lights, I'd worry about it."

A Houston Council committee is already studying proposals from camera companies. That process is expected to take a couple of months.

Then the companies with the best bids will have an opportunity to test their systems for a month.

Once the winner is chosen, they'll be able to put cameras up at 50 of the city's most dangerous intersections. City leaders expect that to happen by November.

Police deny charges they'll use the cameras to beef up city coffers.

"We would be happy if we didn't collect a penny in fines once the system goes into place," said HPD Lt. Robert Manzo. "And that's exactly what would happen if everyone would obey the laws."

Tickets will be $75 for those caught on camera.