HALF the people given on-the-spot fines by police in Kent are not paying up.

Police can issue a fine of either £50 or £80 for offences such as throwing fireworks or being drunk and disorderly.

Offenders have 21 days in which to pay, after which it is up to magistrates' courts to get the money back.

But Kent Police figures show that of 7,537 fines or Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) issued in 2006, only 3,769 were paid within the 21-day period. During 2005, police issued 5,150 PNDs, of which 2,690 were paid.

The total owed rises by 50 per cent when the 21-day limit passes - meaning £50 fines go up to £75 and £80 fines to £120. If the offender still refuses to pay, courts can increase the fine further or even consider a custodial sentence.

Ian Pointon, from the Kent Police Federation, said: "If somebody is given a fixed penalty notice they're still entitled to a trial if they don't agree."

Mr Pointon also said PNDs saved unnecessary paperwork when they were paid straight away - as it saved officers having to take an offender to court.