The Lancashire Evening Post has seen leaked footage filmed by both Stagecoach and Preston Bus, as they monitor bus activity on key routes.

Watch footage of Stagecoach filming Preston bus
Watch footage of Preston bus filming Stagecoach

Peter Bell, managing director of Preston Bus, admitted his staff had filmed their rivals and said their tape would be used as evidence in any future inquiry into the "bus wars".

Meanwhile, a spokesman from Stagecoach claimed its footage showed the "normal day to day running of a bus service" but admitted it was
"gathering evidence" against Preston Bus.

Both companies plan to send their films to North West Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell.

If any filmed activity is considered to prove "deliberate interference with another operator's service" then under transport legislation commissioner can punish the operators.

A spokesman for the Traffic Commissioner said: "Mrs Bell is always interested in receiving information on issues affecting the operation
of bus routes and, if people have something they believe shows that, she is keen for them to inform her."

The two companies have been in competition since Stagecoach announced plans to take up lucrative routes, previously run by Preston Bus.

The rivalry soon developed into full blown "bus wars" as the companies competed for passengers.

The Stagecoach film was given to the Evening Post by a former worker at the company who has since been sacked for gross misconduct on an
unrelated matter.

Jason Sellers, 38, of Blackpool Road, Lea, claimed he spent weeks filming rival operator Preston Bus at the height of the head-to-head
clash on routes across the city.

Mr Sellers said: "I was telling them when Preston Bus got to certain stops and when they left, so they could radio round to get a service in
front of and behind the bus."

Filmed at a number of key bus stops, including outside Lava/Ignite on Church Street, it appears to show Stagecoach workers radioing instructions to bus drivers.

Commercial manager James Mellor, of Stagecoach North West, said: "We have built up our own evidence to prove that whatever they may be claiming we are doing, such as blocking stops it is not one-sided."

Meanwhile, Preston Bus managing director Peter Bell said: "If somebody's doing something wrong you might do some filming to prove it.

"I'm sure the traffic commissioner will have very strong views."

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