Commentary on Sections Part 1: Provisions for Combatting Crime and Disorder. Chapter 1: On the spot penalties for disorderly behaviour (Sections 1 to 11) Section 5: General restriction on proceedings
17.This section prevents proceedings being brought for an offence for which a penalty notice has been issued for a period of 21 days unless within that period the recipient asks for a trial. It provides that where payment of the penalty is made no proceedings may be brought.