HALF of the on-the-spot fines handed out by police in a bid to crackdown on troublemakers have not been paid, it has been revealed.

The Government figures, obtained by an East Lancashire MP, have prompted calls for tougher action against people committing anti-social crimes.

Lancashire Police was one of the first in the country to pilot the issuing of fixed penalty notices, of up to £80, for a variety of minor offences. Earlier this year, it was revealed that only the Metropolitan Police in London had issued more on-the-spot fines.

But the Government has admitted that last year, of the 8,699 tickets issued int he county, 4,592 have not been paid. In 2004, 5,077 were issued, with 2,666 not being paid. Those who do not pay are taken to court in a bid to recoup the money.

But figures for non-payment have only been released for Lancashire because of a Parliamentary question put down by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans. He said: "This clearly shows that we have a two-tier penalty system which is allowing a huge number of offenders to get away with not paying their fines.."

Police, however, insist the notices are working. The fines are issued for a variety of set offences, including serving alcohol to a youngster, drunk and disorderly behaviour, throwing stones at trains, mis-use of fireworks and wasting police time.

Inspector John Clucas said: "We are happy to use these to their full potential which has real benefits.

"It has brought more offenders to justice and eased pressures on magistrates courts. The fact that we have increased the number puts pressure on the court side.

"However a lot of these penalty notices have actually taken work away from the courts."

Hyndburn Labour MP Greg Pope said: "I know Lancashire police are doing a good job of tackling anti-social behaviour and that fixed penalty notices area a valuable tool.

"But we do need to ensure they are being paid. Those who do not pay should face bigger fines and for those who persistently do so, sadly the last resort has to be a custodial sentence.'' Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said the revelations were "horrifying".He said: "It makes a mockery of the whole legal process if they are letting people get away with committing crimes."

A spokesman for Victim Support UK said that the figures were "worrying" but added that he could only comment on issues directly affecting victims.