Yobs engaging in anti-social behaviour in Tower Hamlets parks and open spaces could be hit with on-the-spot fines. 

Tower Hamlets Council has proposed bringing in fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for those causing disruption or damage in certain parks and open spaces.

The new fines are designed to reduce officer time spent enforcing current byelaws - but would reduce the maximum penalty from £500 to £80 or even £50.

London Councils is holding a public consultation on the proposal until January 30.

READ MORE: £30m for Mile End Hospital and Barking Community hospitals

The parks and open spaces concerned are currently covered by Tower Hamlets byelaws, which are used to deal with unacceptable behaviour that is not addressed through other legislation.

This includes behaviour that may cause distress or injury to other users of parks and open spaces or might damage the spaces and detract from their general enjoyment by the public.

At present if someone commits an offence under the Tower Hamlets byelaws, they can be prosecuted through the Magistrates' Court where the maximum fine the court can impose is £500.

READ MORE: Rapper D Double E visits St Antony's Catholic Primary School

FPNs are being considered as a more appropriate way of dealing with less serious offences.

The consultation suggests fines of £80, in line with fines for littering and graffiti, with a possible reduction to £50 if paid within 14 days - similar to a parking ticket.

The council has suggested this approach will reduce enforcement officer time spent preparing cases for court, reduce court time spent dealing with less serious offences and increase officer time spent patrolling parks and open spaces.

To respond to the consultation visit www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/node/40039?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo.