Red light cameras net $1.1-million so far

In less than a month, Haine City's new red light cameras ticketed 7,000 drivers for making illegal right hand turns or running red lights.

The fines would total $1.1 million.

"Come on, in one month?" exclaimed Karen Kern as her jaw dropped. Kern is a snowbird from Pennsylvania who lives in Haines City during the winter.

Despite the new found money coming in, Haines City still says the most important reason behind the red light cameras is making the streets safer.

"Not only to try and protect our citizens, but to protect people who are traveling through our city to various other places," Haines City Police Chief Rick Sloan told FOX 13 on Monday.

More than half the money collected goes to the state. The goes rest to Haines City, which plans to put the cash into its general fund.

Haines City's share could be $460,000 the first month.

The cost of a citation is $158, the same as elsewhere in Florida. Sloan strongly suggests that drivers who get one should watch a video online of what they did. He said after seeing the video, most drivers back off.

“If they're still convinced that they didn't break the law, they can plead their case in front a magistrate." Sloan continued.  "If they lose, they'll have to pay the fine and court costs, which will run an additional $100 or so.”