The secretary of the Tayside branch of the Scottish Police Federation has proposed introducing a premum rate charge for 999 emergency calls to discourage those who did not have a “genuine” emergency.

David Hamilton floated the proposal via Twitter, where he tweets as @TayPolFedSec.

"Maybe time to make 999 a premium rate number? If a genuine emergency you'd spend 50p to report it. Phoneboxes exempt," he said.

The call has so far not been echoed by the other Scottish police forces, which are scheduled to merge later this year.

"If we were charged premium rates people would be less likely to use 999 and then you would get people who only need it for real emergencies,” Mr Hamilton said.

Mr Hamilton represents 1200 police officers in Tayside up to Chief Inspector level.

Reactions on twitter:

“I take it that 50p for emergency calls was a joke right??

“A stupid, stupid human being.”

“Pay or suffer: 50p can make or break a sick/injured person’s access to the emergency services. Repugnant.”

“Tayside Police and that officer should be embarrassed for making such a sickening suggestion.”

“That police officer lives in the dark ages. Obviously has never been in a position where he has no credit in a pay and go phone.”

“Makes more sense to punish heavily the timewasters and abusers of the system.”

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