Ulster Unionist Policing Board member Ross Hussey has welcomed the roll-out of a new non-emergency telephone number and the benefits that it will bring to the PSNI's approach to responding to calls from members of the public. 

Ross Hussey MLA said; 

"From today on 101 replaces the old 0845 600 8000 non-emergency number and is available 24/7, all year round. Not only is the number much easier to remember but it should also relieve much of the pressure which has been building on our 999 system. 

"Calls made to 101 will cost 15 pence, regardless of the length of time you are on the phone, so it'll also be cheaper than before.   

"The PSNI are operating with finite resources so it was understandable that they will want to continually review their methods of responding to calls. It was clear to me that the old 0845 number simply wasn't working as only 5% of calls to the 999 service were emergencies and half did not require any police response at all.   

"People should never be criticised for phoning 999 if they have done so in good faith and in reasonable circumstances. It's the people that misuse the service or make hoax calls that are really abusing the system and deserve to be punished. 

"I hope now that many of the people who would have previously rang 999 to report things such as criminal damage that had already taken place or passing on other non-urgent information will now recognise that dialling the 101 number is the most appropriate option. 

"I would stress however that in circumstances when a crime is in progress or when there is a risk of injury or to life, people should always dial 999."