PEOPLE in West Craven who commit minor crimes will face on the spot fines of up to £80 as part of a pioneering new scheme.

The Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) initiative was introduced in Pendle on Monday and is aimed at tackling routine low-level offences and anti-social behaviour.

Crimes such as wasting police time, being drunk and disorderly or buying alcohol for under 18s can be punished with fixed penalty fines similar to that of a speeding or parking ticket.

The scheme has already been piloted in other areas such as North Wales, Essex and the West Midlands.

But Lancashire Constabulary will be the first force outside the pilot areas to introduce the scheme.

The tickets will be issued by police officers and will be used as an alternative to a caution.

They can be given on the streets in certain circumstances as well as in custody offices after arrest.

The new powers will be rolled out across the force later this year.

Penalties will either be £40 or £80 depending on the seriousness of the offence.

Inspector John Clucas said: "By dealing with minor offences in this way, we believe officers will save around two hours of administration for each.

"That could mean a saving of many thousands of pounds each year.

"Unless the individual contests the PND and elects to go to court, this is expected to have a significant impact on the workload of the courts."

Insp Clucas said the new scheme was not a way for the police to make money.

He added: "Unlike other forms of fixed penalty ticket, the police do not receive any of the money that is paid by offenders as it goes straight to the exchequer.

"This is about dealing swiftly with low-level and anti-social behaviour offences."

PNDs, which can only be issued to over 18s, will have to be paid in full within 21 days, or the fine will go up by 50 per cent.

Any outstanding money will be pursued by the courts as an unpaid fine.

Sgt Chris Saville, of Barnoldswick police station has welcomed the new scheme.

He added: "I am in full agreement with the initiative especially if it releases officers from administration work."