20th January 2011, Hemel Hempstead, UK – Since 11th January, people only need to dial one number – 01442 228 000 – to get in touch with Dacorum Borough Council.

A new automated system has replaced the Council’s current switchboard to help it to deal with calls more quickly and effectively. Hemel-based company Telephonetics VIP Ltd is providing the system, which uses similar voice recognition technology used to book cinema tickets over the phone.


Telephonetics VIP logoAll customers need to do is dial 01442 228 000, say the name of the service or person they want and they will automatically be put through. There will always be a backup person to speak to if people are unable to get through after two attempts.

Brian Ayling, Portfolio Holder for Service and Performance Improvement, said: “Our new one number system is far more streamlined. From now on our residents only need to have 01442 228 000 to hand. The system also reduces our operating costs and contributes to our efficiency savings.”

The one number replaces the existing numbers with the prefix ‘867’ that feed into the Council’s call centre, which will be gradually phased out. Direct dial numbers will remain the same. Enquiries relating to services provided by Hertfordshire County Council – such as issues to do with roads, schools or libraries – will be transferred directly across.

Andrew Walker, Account Manager for Telephonetics VIP, commented: “As a local company, we’re proud to support the Council in offering its residents the best possible service. With the single number contact point, residents can be confident that their query is being channelled effectively – no matter what it concerns.”