There will be extra passengers on Preston bus station for the next few weeks as an operation to monitor and tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport swings into action.

Lancashire County Council's Safer Travel Unit has teamed up with Preston Police, bus operators and Preston City Council to launch a high-visibility operation to reassure the travelling public.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Preston City Council's bus station security staff will be around throughout the day on the concourse to speak with passengers and hand out contact cards with the number of the Safer Travel Unit hotline.

The move has the support of bus operators Preston Bus and Stagecoach and the city council, who manage the bus station.

Safer Travel Unit manager, Rick Wilson, said: "This sort of operation is a good thing to do from time to time to raise the profile of the services that are there to help them travel easily and safely.

"While the cards are being handed out the increased visibility of the police means that anti-social behaviour will be discouraged."

As well as the high-visibility PCSOs and high-visibility bus station security staff there will also be plain clothes officers keeping watch over a number of bus routes in and around Preston.

Mr Wilson explained: "It's no secret that we work with the police and bus operators to carry out gateway checks'.

"This involves having council officers travelling on the bus and uniformed police officers joining the service en-route to deal with any reports of anti-social behaviour.

"The checks really do have an effect and by publicising the current operation we hope that people will remember that this sort of thing goes on all the time.

"There will also be an increased use of CCTV for the next few weeks. Anyone who is found to be causing a nuisance of any sort can expect anything from a quick chat with an officer to a visit to the police station."

Police Sergeant John Lovick of Preston Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "There is no particular problem on Preston bus station.

"However it is probably the busiest in Lancashire and our intention is to show a reassuring presence.

"Regardless, any incidents of minor damage or anti social behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and positively.

"I expect to pick up on some very low-level incidents of anti-social behaviour - things like litter, loud behaviour and music and smoking.

"Although these things might seem quite trivial they have a very real effect on ordinary people as they can be quite intimidating.

"So the aim of the next few weeks is to provide a reminder to everyone that Preston has to be a safe and pleasant place to travel."