Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont made the announcement in Dundee, to coincide with the launch of the latest nationwide anti-social behaviour campaign.

Ms Lamont saw first-hand the impact FPNs, together with other measures and resources given to local authorities and police to tackle anti-social behaviour, have had on communities in Tayside.

“Crime is falling, including incidents of serious violence, but we know loutishness, drunkenness and vandalism, if unchallenged, can still cause misery to the law-abiding majority in our communities,” she said.

“I’m pleased we are now in a position to add these powers to the police’s armoury in the fight against anti-social behaviour.

“FPNs allow police to take swift and visible action against anti-social behaviour. The evidence suggests FPNs deter offenders from repeating such behaviour.”

Tayside Police began piloting FPNs in April 2005, with the aim of saving police and court time by dealing on-the-spot with a range of low-level offences committed by over-16s.

Offenders issued with a notice are given 28 days to pay a £40 fine or request a court hearing. If the fine is not paid in four weeks, and is not challenged, it increases to £60.

An independent evaluation of the 12-month pilot, published today, found FPNs had proved successful in Tayside and recommended a national roll-out.

The powers come into force today and will be implemented by all Scottish forces by the end of the year. Fife will have an FPN scheme in place this spring.

Added Ms Lamont, “The evidence from Tayside is very encouraging and with the national roll-out starting, I expect to see fixed penalty notices being used right across the country by the end of this year.

“Anti-social behaviour will not disappear overnight but, through the range of measures to combat the problem, including dispersal zones, closure orders, community wardens and ASB investigation and mediation teams, we can help create a safer, stronger Scotland.”

The main findings of the evaluation of the Tayside FPN pilot, conducted by the University of Abertay Dundee, include:

3327 penalties were issued — predominantly for breach of the peace (49%), urinating or defecating in public (28%) and consuming alcohol in a public place (12%);

Eight out of ten notices were issued on the street.

Sixty-three per cent of fines were paid in the statutory period of 28 days;

Some evidence of net-widening (the issuing of FPNs where previously a warning would have been given) but little evidence of repeat offending;

The importance of time saving was considerable, with Tayside Police estimated to have saved 1300 hours in 12 months.

Tayside’s Chief Constable John Vine said, “The pilot proved, beyond even our own high expectations, that fixed penalty notices are a quick and effective way for my officers to deal with low-level offending.

“The process is straightforward and efficient and has made a difference in reducing bureaucracy for the police and our other criminal justice partners.

Mr Vine said he believed the scheme was “win win,” with the notices even welcomed by offenders as it meant they did not have to appear in court.

He added, “What we now look forward to is the range of offences being extended.”

The report recommends adding minor shoplifting, possession of personal amounts of controlled drugs and minor assaults to the list of offences.

The minister said the scheme would be evaluated after a year, but the possibility of including other crimes has not been ruled out.

Addressing civil liberties concerns, she said, “I think police have measures in place to ensure the system isn’t abused by officers. It is about the rights of the local community, and sends out a strong message to people committing these crimes.”

The latest phase of the Executive’s anti-social behaviour campaign includes a 15-day roadshow and an advertising campaign giving advice about reporting and dealing with incidents.

Launched in Dundee today, the roadshow’s other stops include Arbroath tomorrow and Perth on February 19.