999 calls: North Yorkshire Police receive 8,000 a month, as they ask public not to phone with questions on Covid rules

North Yorkshire Police says calls to its phone lines are up 5 per cent on last year, with some of those calls coming from people with coronavirus restrictions-related queries.

But the force says many of those questions could have been answered by checking the Government's website, instead of taking up time on their phone lines.

The force control room, which handles every 101 or 999 call for police in North Yorkshire, deals with around 30,000 incoming calls per month – equating to around 1,000 per day.

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Of those calls, 8,000 per month are 999 calls which typically require an immediate response.

The force says the calls relating to COVID-19 typically tend to be "lengthy" so call duration is increasing.

In July and August 2020, the force saw the highest volume of 999 calls in 11 years.

North Yorkshire Police Force Control Room Manager, Jane Larkin, said: “Over the last few months, and mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a significant change in the types of calls we get into the force control room.

"Understandably, people are often confused or unsure about the current Covid-19 restrictions and want to ask questions or be reassured that they are doing the right thing.

“We would ask members of the public to visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus rather than calling 101 if they need advice or guidance on the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

"Also, if people wish to tell us about a serious breach of the current restrictions then they can do so through our website at www.northyorkshire.police.uk.

“For all other enquiries please continue to use the 101 number. We are experiencing high call volumes at the moment, and you may have to wait, but we will get to you.

"Alternatively, if our 101 lines are busy, please press one, leave your details and we’ll get back in touch with you through our call back service to save you hanging on the phone.

“Always dial 999 in an emergency.”