�80 fixed penalty offences

Wasting police time Sending false messages Knowingly giving a false alarm to a fire brigade Causing harassment, alarm or distress

North Wales Police is one of five force areas in the UK where the scheme is to be tested, according to reports.

But the Home Office has played down the planned fines are a done deal, saying no decision on pilot areas had been taken.

The fines will vary between �40 and �80 depending on the offence and follow legislation decreed in the 2001 Criminal Justice and Police Act, drawn up in 2001.

It is the latest element in UK Home Secretary David Blunkett's assault on street crime.

Earlier in March, the minister, who will give more details at Wales Labour's spring conference in Llandudno later, revealed plans for civilian wardens to assist police officers.

The idea first came up when Tony Blair suggested taking yobs to cashpoints to pay fines.

The prime minister was criticised and praised in equal measure, but the fines will now be payable at a later date and can be challenged in court.

While no starting date for the scheme has been set yet, it is likely to be later this year.

The other forces involved are the West Midlands, the Metropolitan Police, Essex and British Transport Police.

But the idea has been labelled "flawed" by the North Wales Police Federation.

"In reality, people don't want yobs left outside their homes - they want them removed," secretary elect Richard Eccles said.

"We have the poer to arrest and detain these people and that is what people in north Wales want."

Conservative home affairs spokesperson Dominic Greaves added: "If people are misbehaving in the streets, neighbours will want them removed,"

"Merely handing them a notice is not going to address the problem.

"The way to deal with them is quick arresting and to bring them before the courts."

And the Conservatives have voiced scepticism

Time limit

"This has followed on from comments made by the Prime Minister some time ago referring to offenders for drinking offences being fined on the spot," said Deputy Assistant Constable Steve House, the officer in charge of the introduction of the scheme.

�40 fixed penalty offences

Throwing fireworks Wilful obstruction other than with a vehicle Drunk and disorderly Trespassing on a railway Throwing stones at trains Drunk in a highway Buying alcohol for under 18s Drinking in a designated place

"This led to the Association of Chief Police Officers looking at the possibility of fixed penalty notices for a range of offences.

"This will not be on-the-spot fines and there will be no collection of money by police officers," stressed Mr House.

"An offender will probably be able to pay within a set time at a certain amount.

"It will be �40 or �80 depending on the offence but presumably there may be an increase in the amount to be paid if they take the case to court and are found guilty."

Mr House also revealed the notices will only be issued by police officers and not by civilian staff.

"Officers will either carry a book of notices, or the notices book may be kept elsewhere and brought to an officer who needs it," he said.