Policing in data networks

Apparatus and methods for policing flows of data units (15) along a path in a data network in dependence on congestion indications associated with said data units indicating whether or not said data units have experienced, or are expected to experience, congestion on the path, said apparatus and methods allowing for a high but not unlimited short-term burst rate (wST) of data units having congestion indications associated therewith, the short-term burst rate being high when compared with a long-term average rate (wLT) at which data units having congestion indications associated therewith may be forwarded without the data units being subjected to a policing action such as dropping, delaying or marking for possible sanction.