From September, fine defaulters owing �500 or less will not be jailed

Currently those who either do not pay fines can be ordered to serve an alternative sentence behind bars.

The changes are due to take effect from September and will affect those who default on a fine of �500 or less.

Under proposals put forward by the executive, future defaulters will be punished in the community.

Hard labour

Further changes could also see those who have sufficient money to pay their fine having their cars seized or assets frozen if they do not pay.

Mr MacAskill said: "Most minor offenders are a nuisance and have to be punished, but many communities accept they don't have to go to prison.

"They want their communities improved by a bit of sweat and hard labour."

The changes are in line with SNP's policy of using tough community-based punishments instead of short prison sentences.

Under the new system supervised attendance orders, similar to community service, will be imposed instead.

Scottish Tory community safety spokesman John Lamont said: ?The current system makes no sense, and wilful defaulters who can afford to pay should have the fines deducted from their salaries.

"Supervised Attendance Orders should be available as a first disposal for those clearly in a mess with their money. Longer term, this is more effective and just.?