£40 On-The-Spot Fines To Tackle City’s ‘ASBO’ Yobs

People in Scotland’s biggest city face being hit with on-the-spot fines under a new anti- social behaviour crackdown launched today.

Police in Glasgow are using 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 a public place.

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

Officers said a pilot showed it saved valuable court time, with just 1 per cent of people fined requesting a trial. Kevin Smith, Strathclyde Police’s assistant chief constable, said: “Disorder and antisocial behaviour are major problems for ordinary people and can have a severe effect on quality of life in neighbourhoods.

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

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

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