Cities in North Texas are raking in millions from newly installed red light camera systems. Although automated ticketing is not authorized by the state legislature, cities have rushed to install the devices after a move to ban them failed by a handful of votes in the state Senate. The profit has been significant.

"There is a lot of revenue involved," Grapevine Mayor Pro Tem Ted Ware told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram newspaper.

Garland has made $3.2 million in revenue since September 2003, as the first city to install cameras. Plano has generated $370,186 from March to August -- on track for a yearly take of $740,000. Denton made $329,727 between May and August -- on track for a yearly take of $986,000.

Bedford, Dallas, Fort Worth, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills and University Park are now thinking about installing cameras for their share of the revenue. Dallas officials last month approved a budget that spent expected red light camera revenue on programs including training for prison inmates and an extensive face lift for the city hall building.