NORTH Yorkshire Police could be at the forefront of a revolution to reduce pressure on the 999 service.
The force has offered to be part of a trial to provide a different number, possibly 888, for non-emergency calls.
Callers ringing the new number for incidents like burglaries and routine crimes would be put through to their local police station.
Early trials are also expected to take place in Cumbria and if they reduce the number of unnecessary 999 calls, the idea could be introduced nationwide.
The spokesman said many calls did not need an emergency service.
He added: "The police service generally is looking to have a central number for non-emergency calls. We are leading and we have offered to pilot such a number, and we are working with the Government on that.
"We don't envisage seeing anything happen for a good 18 months, as there is a great deal of work still to be done. The idea of a national, non-emergency number is good, and has terrific support all across the police service."
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