Source: The Sentinel
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/news/New-number-cuts-police-costs/article-3...New number cuts police call costsFriday, September 19, 2008, 09:21
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STAFFORDSHIRE Police has launched a new telephone number which will make it cheaper for people to contact them.
The force consulted the public about the change and chose the new number – 0300 123 4455 – because it is easy to remember and dial.
It will replace the former number, which was 08453 302010.
People can use the number to speak to police about anything which is not a 999 emergency.
The new number costs 6p per minute from a BT landline and, unlike the previous number, can be added to talk plans or free call bundles offered by various networks.
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Staffordshire's Chief Constable Chris Sims said: "We haven't take the decision lightly but there are such advantages we decided to go for it.
"Ofcom wants all public bodies to take on 03 numbers so we would have had to do it at some point."
About 1,000 members of the public were asked which number they would prefer from a selection, and they chose the new one because it was the easiest to remember and dial.
It went live yesterday, and the old one will gradually be phased out. The police held a launch event at Trentham Gardens, and officers handed out balloons and leaflets to publicise the new number.
Mr Sims said: "The launch event was paid for by BT. We have put aside a small amount of money to change literature but it is not going to have a big cost for the public."
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Credit should be given to Northumbria, Durham and now Staffordshire Police forces for moving away from their 0845 numbers to 03xx ones. Hopefully others will follow suit.
It's slightly disappointing that the article contains the misinformation that the 0300 number is 6p/min from a BT line.