The city council says absenteeism is a serious issue in Bristol

The city council is adopting new powers which allow fixed penalty notices to be issued for absenteeism.

Recipients of notices are initially fined �50, but this doubles if it is not paid within 42 working days.

Councillor Claire Cook, executive member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said it was not about "bashing" parents.

'Serious issue'

"Absenteeism is a serious issue in Bristol and we all need to work together to bring what are unacceptably high levels down," said Cllr Cook.

"Fixed penalty notices will be issued in cases of persistent unauthorised absence only, where there is clear documentary evidence."

These include cases where a pupil has been taken on a holiday, during term-time, not authorised by the school.

Notices could also be issued after a child has been stopped during a truancy sweep and subsequent inquiries found the child to have had at least 20 unauthorised absences in the previous 10 weeks.