SCOTLAND: Penalty fines for street offences

Penalty fines for street offences

Police said the move would cut anti-social behaviour

offenders in Scotland's biggest city will receive on-the-spot fines under a new anti-social behaviour crackdown.

Police in Glasgow will use new powers to issue £40 fixed penalty notices for offences that would normally require court action.

Actions liable for punishment include minor breaches of the peace, vandalism, drinking alcohol in public, noise nuisance and urinating in public.

The new powers marked the completion of a national roll-out of the scheme.

Officers said a pilot scheme saved valuable court time, with just 1% of people fined requesting a trial.

That is good news for our officers and we think it will send a strong message to those who are committing these offences Kevin Smith Strathclyde Police's assistant chief constable

Strathclyde Police's assistant chief constable Kevin Smith, said: "Disorder and anti-social behaviour are major problems for ordinary people and can have a severe effect on quality of life in neighbourhoods.

"Currently for even the most minor offences, our officers have to formally charge the offender, then spend time in the police station preparing reports to be sent to the procurator fiscal for consideration of a prosecution.

"Court appearances, if they occur, can be many many months down the line.

"These penalty tickets will allow officers to deal there and then with certain offences.

"That is good news for our officers and we think it will send a strong message to those who are committing these offences."

People issued with the notices will have 28 days to pay the fine or opt for a court trial, with fines rising to £60 if the offender fails to pay.

'Stronger communities'

They will not be issued to anyone under the age of 16, and are not recorded as a criminal conviction, although the information will be retained for two years.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill backed the scheme.

He said: "I'm pleased that Strathclyde Police officers now have these additional powers to take quick and effective action against anti-social behaviour.

"Fixed penalty notices can play a part in delivering that, as we work together to build safer, stronger communities across the country."

Catherine Dyer, area procurator fiscal for Glasgow and Strathkelvin, said that the roll out of fixed penalty notices across Strathclyde would allow anti-social offences to be dealt with immediately.