Caught swearing, face $132 fine

Barnsley - As part of a trial during the month of June, people in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, may receive fines of up to £80 ($132) should they be caught swearing in public.

The system will be enforced throughout Barnsley town centre, with local police given strict instructions to monitor the language of citizens. Final decisions will be made at the discretion of officers, who will initially hand out warnings, however, if unsuccessful, they may start handing out fines. Charges will reflect the severity of the offence. The campaign, introduced by South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Voice, is aimed at limiting anti-social behavior, and members of the public have also been told to report any obscene language. Representing Barnsley Voice, Phil Davies said: "There is nothing wrong with swearing, I do it every day, but it is [wrong] when it is targeted at somebody."