The force hopes instant fines will cut re-offending

Under the system, originally tried out by Tayside Police last year, offenders have 28 days to pay the �40 penalty or risk going to court.

Nine offences are covered by the fixed penalty notice, including drunkenness, vandalism and breach of the peace.

Officers in Tayside recorded a drop in re-offending during its pilot scheme, when 3,000 fines were handed out.

Significant deterrent

The scheme will be rolled out to all eight Scottish forces over the coming months.

They were given the new powers by the Scottish Executive earlier this year, following the success of the year-long Tayside trial.

During the pilot scheme, it was found that fines were paid promptly, police time was saved and there was a low rate of re-offending.

Fife Constabulary said it believed instant penalties would be a significant deterrent to minor crimes which could cause considerable disruption to communities.