999 calls: New system across two counties given green light

A new 999 call mobilising system will be introduced in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

A new 999 fire call system is set to be rolled out across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Fire services in both counties have signed a contract with Saab UK for the new call mobilising system which would be in place over the next five years.

It is expected to be brought in by October 2025.

Derbyshire's Chief Fire Officer, Gavin Tomlinson, says it will help the services meet the demand of the 2.2m people they serve.

The calling system will help emergency operators assign fire engines to incidents.

Mr Tomlinson, who is also the service's chief executive, said: "By working with our colleagues and long-term collaborative partners from Nottinghamshire, we have been able to secure a contract that is financially advantageous, and a 999-call handling and mobilising system that uses the latest technology."

Nottinghamshire's Chief Fire Officer Craig Parkin said: "Our purpose as a service is to create safer communities, and investing in this new mobilising system sees us embracing new technology for the benefit of Nottinghamshire as a whole.

"I'm excited for us to build a positive working relationship with Saab UK and to see the benefits that this new system will bring about for our communities, our firefighters, and the control room staff who use it.