Nuisance train users facing fines

The fines are aimed at freeing up officers to tackle more serious offences

Rail passengers who smoke, drink too much or cause a nuisance could be fined £50 under new powers planned for British Transport Police.

Officers can currently warn or arrest anti-social passengers.

But Transport Minister Lord Adonis said on-the-spot fines would be introduced next year if they are rubber-stamped by Parliament.

The plans were welcomed by the watchdog Passenger Focus and the Association of Train Operating Companies.

Deputy Chief Constable Andy Trotter, of British Transport Police, said: "Penalty notices prove a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and will save valuable police time, allowing us to have a greater visible uniformed presence on the rail system."

The move is part of the government's extension to its Penalty Notice for Disorder scheme, which has introduced fines for misdemeanours like throwing fireworks, allowing dog fouling and scrawling graffiti.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Norman Baker said the powers could be useful but warned they "must not be used to downgrade the crimes of those who should be arrested".