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One in three people say graffiti and vandalism are problems in their area.

New measures in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 that come into force today will tackle the perpetrators and clean up the environment.

Under the plans local authorities will be able to impose penalty notices of £50 for graffiti and fly-posting. Pilot plans to allow Councils to clean street furniture such as phone boxes will begin in twelve areas.

The measures will equip local councils, police, housing officers, environmental officers and others with the tools they need to deal with this type of anti-social behaviour which impacts on communities across the country.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said graffiti is an eye-sore which blights communities.

"It affects people's quality of life, increases fear of crime and reduces pride in a community. It also costs us all millions of pounds a year to clean-up - money which could be better spent on other valuable services."

In November the Home Office launched the 'Name that Tag' campaign in London, Liverpool and Manchester, offering a reward of £500 for information about prolific offenders.

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Elsewhere on Directgov

• Anti-social behaviour (Householders section)