A NEW non-emergency number has been launched by Hertfordshire police aimed at making calls to the service cheaper, easier and more efficient.

It will gradually replace the current non-emergency number, 0845 33 00 222. However, the changeover will not happen immediately and the 0845 number is expected to be in place for about a year, running in tandem with 101 to ensure a smooth transition.

This is part of a countrywide Association of Chief Police Officers and Home Office-led initiative where all forces are due to adopt the number by December, in phases. Herts Police is in the first phase of forces to adopt 101.

Superintendent Rob Henry, who manages the force communications room, said: “The Constabulary welcomes this new number as it means members of the public will soon be able to phone 101 wherever they are in England and Wales, and reach their local force.

“Gone will be the days of people being asked to ring long and often expensive 0845 or 0300 numbers. And it is hoped, because the number is easier to remember, that it will ease the burden on unnecessary 999 calls from people unable to remember the non-emergency one.

“With a very modern communications room like ours, Hertfordshire Constabulary prides itself on providing an excellent service to the public. As part of this, we are pleased to be one of the very first forces to adopt this new number and better that service.”

Using 101 will cost 15p for the duration of the call, whether made from a landline or mobile phone. However, for those whose current service plans give them free calls to 0845 numbers, it will still be possible to contact the Constabulary non-emergency service on landline number 01707 354000, which is also a free number on some phone packages.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, the textphone service 18001 101 is still available.

Always ring 999 in an emergency.