They are described as "mean teams" and are already on the streets with the aim to clean up the city.

Glasgow's latest weapon in its fight to create "the cleanest city in the world" is a 30-strong squad of litter enforcement officers who will confront, challenge and issue fines on litter louts and dog foulers.

The initiative means Glasgow will be home to one of the most draconian environmental regimes in Scotland. Officers look like police, with dark uniforms, hats with chequered bands and stab-proof vests. They can also hand out fixed penalty notices.

The team has been carefully chosen for their experience and includes ex-Army personnel, former police officers and traffic wardens - all of whom are no strangers to dealing with confrontation.

Backed up by CCTV and with the support of the police if needed, they will patrol the streets of the city centre and beyond on the hunt for culprits who tarnish the city's reputation. Council leaders are describing the enforcers, part of the city's Clean Glasgow campaign, as a "zero tolerance" approach to litter.

Steven Purcell, council leader, said: "Everywhere I go people tell me how angry they are about litter and graffiti. The Clean Glasgow campaign has been about changing attitudes and this is moving it onto a new stage. The enforcement officers will take a zero tolerance approach.

"From today, make no mistake, there will be zero tolerance of litter, graffiti, fly tipping, fly posting, chewing gum and cigarette ends being thrown on pavements, and people who refuse to clean up after their dogs."

Charlie Macklin spent 33 years with the Royal Highland Fusiliers and is one of the first batch of enforcement officers to hit the streets. He said: "The approach has to be general. People who drop litter are committing a criminal offence but they might not believe that. They are generally law abiding people and it has almost become acceptable. We are now doing something about it.

"I must witness the offence before I can take action. I will take the person's details and offer them a fixed penalty notice. If they refuse then it becomes a report to the procurator-fiscal."

The officers have undergone conflict management training and are kitted out with protective clothing including the stab proof vests. However, Mr Macklin is not expecting violence. He said: "I imagine people will be shocked when they are confronted. People need to be aware our workforce will be supported by the police."

It is an offence not to give details to an authorised officer and police will be asked to intervene, if available, in cases were culprits are unco-operative. Where possible, incidents will be recorded on CCTV and used to track people down.

Litter culprits will be fined £50 and if it is not paid within 28 days they will be reported to the procurator-fiscal. Those guilty of dog fouling will be fined £40, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days.

Cases of non-payment will be passed to sheriff officers and then the procurator-fiscal, by which time a fine of £500 could be imposed.