Fixed penalty notices are intended to cut loutish behaviour

Only 51% of 6,043 fines in Essex, the West Midlands and parts of North Wales and London were paid within 21 days.

But overall payment rose to 70% after some were taken to court and the Home Office says the project is successful.

The scheme, now in force across England and Wales, aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and police bureaucracy.

Causing "harassment, alarm or distress" - the most common reason for a fine during the trial - and wasting police time are among offences that can lead to a £80 fine.

Refusal to pay

Police can issue £40 fines for other types of loutish behaviour such as being drunk and disorderly or throwing stones at trains.

Most fines, 86%, were given to men and about two thirds were handed out to people aged between 21 and 34.

Refusal to pay can lead to a criminal record and higher fine.

The Home Office study found each spot fines saved one-and-a-half hours of police time, when compared to that taken to prepare a court case.

"On the whole, the project has been a success," the report said.