Police have welcomed the new on-the-spot fines

Dumfries and Galloway Police has promised to use the legislation to help tackle disorder issues across the region more promptly.

The legislation is designed to deal quickly with problems, reduce paperwork and free up officers' time.

It has been subject to a year-long pilot scheme in Tayside where there was a recorded drop in reoffending.

Under the scheme, police officers can hand out a �40 fine to anyone who commits an offence.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary is a force that will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and with these powers we will continue to challenge it Inspector Chris Hope

Nine low-level offences are covered by the fixed penalty notice including vandalism, breach of the peace, malicious mischief and being drunk and incapable.

Inspector Chris Hope said the force was "extremely pleased" with the introduction of the fixed penalty notices.

"It means police officers can deal with a minor anti-social issue quickly and effectively," he said.

"Our colleagues in Tayside have reported a reduced rate of reoffending so it appears that the fixed penalty notices are working and we hope for a similar result.