Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to charge for non-emergency calls

Getting locked out of your house could now cost almost £320 an hour if you call firefighters in Bedfordshire for help

A fire brigade is to start charging people for non-emergency callouts.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will now hand out bills if 999 is called for people stuck in lifts or by those who have locked themselves out.

The brigade said it had helped more than 1,700 people in these type of scenarios over five years - estimated to have cost tax-payers about £500,000.

It will now charge £266 plus VAT per hour to cover the costs of the callout and attendance in these situations.

Bedfordshire fire service's Steve Allen said he wanted people to think first before calling 999 with minor incidents

Group Commander Steve Allen said the callouts meant firefighters could not deal with "genuine emergencies".

"Anyone dialling 999 requesting assistance for a person stuck in a lift or locked in or out of their homes or car, where there is no immediate threat to life, threat of injury or a medical emergency, will be... expected to cover the costs," he said.

"We would ask them to take a moment and think if it's a genuine emergency - and with businesses to ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to service and maintain their lift equipment."

The brigade's priority were emergencies where lives or properties were threatened, he added.

Callers will be told what they can do in non-emergencies and may be given contacts for local locksmiths or people who can help, while businesses will be told it is their responsibility to free anyone stuck in lifts.

Mr Allen warned anyone pretending a situation was urgent when it was not would still be handed a bill.