Yellow card offences include drinking in the street

Anyone caught dropping litter, urinating in the street, or using threatening words or behaviour will be shown a yellow card by officers.

Repeat offenders will then be issued with a red card and may be arrested.

The "City Rules" initiative was due to be launched by Merseyside Police on Friday.

Chief Superintendent Mike Langdon, of Merseyside Police, said: "We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour on the streets and we will be taking positive action with the City Rules initiative to stop anyone committing the offences described.

"City Rules is about standards that are and are not acceptable."

'Given chance'

Other yellow card offences include obscene language, throwing missiles, drinking alcohol or carrying bottles in the street.

Pc Chris Foy from Merseyside Police, who also works as a Premiership referee, is not part of City Rules initiative, but has given his backing to the scheme.

He added: "People will probably be surprised at first.

"But it will be nice to see you are given a chance before it becomes a red card offence."