Police are pleading with frustrated motorists not to call them about congestion in Preston city centre.

A warning has been issued to remind drivers not to call either 999 or 101 to say they are stuck in traffic.

Preston’s city centre has been gridlocked numerous times since Wednesday evening when heavy rain saw masses of train services cancelled – meaning Butler Street had to be closed off to drivers.

The station is also running many replacement bus services due to the Preston-Blackpool line closure, limiting the amount of drop-off spaces for drivers.

The pinch-point has been around the railway station and the Fishergate Shopping Centre car park.

Police have also had to be called out to reports of members of the public becoming abusive towards shopping centre staff trying to help with easing congestion.

Read more: This map of Preston city centre could save you £60

Lancashire County Council recent reinstated the enforcement of the Fishergate bus lane and also introduced the Lune Street two-way option with a new exit into Ringway.

However, it doesn’t seem to have eased the issues at the railway station end of town where a no right turn from Butler Street is being enforced.

PCSO Stephen Connolly said: “I posted an update on Thursday but once again can I please remind motorists that the police have no control over congestion and cannot provide officers to direct traffic.

“Over the last couple of days we’ve had a massive amount of calls to the Lancashire Police control room both via 101 and 999 to report that motorists are stuck in congestion. I understand that congestion can be very frustrating but please do not report it to us as there is nothing that we can do. These calls can often take a lot of our call taker’s time and prevents us from taking reports of crime and other police incidents.

“We have also had reports of members of the public becoming abusive to staff at the shopping centre; this behaviour cannot be tolerated and action will be taken against individuals acting in this manner.

“Staff at the shopping centre are trying their best to ease congestion, but like ourselves are very limited in what they can do.

“Earlier this week our colleagues British Transport Police – North West advised to use other nearby car parks / side streets if you’re picking up/dropping off at the train station.”

Read more: Fishergate ‘tram bus’ experiment hailed a success by tram firm

Police are urging anyone unhappy about congestion to contact the highways department of the county council on highways@lancashire.gov.uk.

What do you think about the congestion in the city centre? Let us know what you think the answer is in the comments below