HERTFORDSHIRE Constabulary has fielded more than 700 calls to the new non-emergency number 101 in the first week since its launch.

As previously reported on www.whtimes24.co.uk, the force is in the first phase of the country-wide initative designed to make calling police cheaper, easier and more efficient.

Today (Monday), police authority chairman David Lloyd, superintendent Rob Henry and force communications room manager Richard Wilde met at the Stanborough Road HQ in WGC to promote the switchover from the old 0845 33 00 222 number.

Mr Wilde said: “This new number aims to improve the non-emergency service we currently offer as it is easier to remember.

“From early next year it will possible to ring this same number wherever you are in England and Wales to reach your local force’s non-emergency service.”

He added: “Since 101 went live at Hertfordshire Constabulary last week, we have already seen over 700 calls made to the new number, and this number is steadily rising.

“This is great news and in time it will hopefully free up the 999 service for emergency calls.

“Previously people had phoned 999 because of the cost of the 0845 number, which for many cost them considerably more to ring, or because they couldn’t remember the full number.”

The old 0845 number will continue to be in place for approximately a year, running in tandem with 101 to ensure a smooth transition.

Calls to 101 are 15p for the duration of the call, whether from a landline or a mobile.

Alternatively, for those who had free calls to 0845 numbers in their service plan, landline number 01707 354000 will continue to be available and is free on many phone service plans.

Mr Lloyd said: “Most people choose to contact the police by telephone. The introduction of the 101 non-emergency number means that when anyone has a reason to make contact with the police they will always know the number to use.

“This project proves that it is not necessary to spend lots of extra money making improvements to services.”