Fixed fines for 'yob' behaviour

Officers believe the fines will save police time

Humberside Police are to begin handing out "on-the-spot" fines to people indulging in rowdy behaviour.

Under the scheme, officers can give penalty notices for offences such as being drunk and disorderly or throwing fireworks in the street.

Throwing objects at trains will mean a £40 fine while anyone making a false 999 call will be fined £80. The fines increase if not paid promptly.

Police believe the new legislation will save time for them and the courts.

Chief Inspector Colin Carroll said: "The scheme has been introduced as a response to the need for a speedy and effective means of dealing with crimes that do not require a court hearing.

"It will offer operational officers a new and alternative means of dealing with low level, anti-social and nuisance offending."

The penalty notices will act as a "swift, simple and effective" means of justice, he added.

The system is being introduced in East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire following successful pilots in Essex and the West Midlands.