Officers in Dundee handed out fixed penalty notices in a pilot

The Scottish Executive said fines would be used to tackle a number of crimes, including drunkenness and vandalism.

Scotland's eight forces will be using the powers by the end of the year, after Tayside Police piloted the use of �40 fixed penalty notices.

Ministers said the fines allow officers to take swift and visible action against anti-social behaviour.

The move also aims to free up police time to focus on more serious crimes.

Speaking in Dundee, Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont said: "Crime is falling, including incidents of serious violence, but we know that loutishness, drunkenness and vandalism, if unchallenged, can still cause misery to the law-abiding majority in our communities."

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine said the pilot, described as a success in an independent evaluation by Abertay University, proved to be above expectations.

Local people want to see more police on their street Shona Robison SNP MSP

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

The fine rises to �60 for offenders who fail to pay within 28 days or challenge it in court.

Despite executive claims of a record number of police officers, the SNP said ministers had failed to back their anti-social behaviour policies with a sufficient presence.

Dundee East SNP MSP Shona Robison said: "Local people want to see more police on their street to back up the good work of the community wardens in making their streets feel safer."

Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie claimed that increased use of fixed penalty notices would create "pay-as-you-go criminals", who may be allowed to commit offences which would not be included on criminal records.

"The Lib-Lab Pact is soft on crime, and even softer on criminals," she said.

Officers in Central Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and Northern Constabulary will start using fixed penalty notices in the spring.