THE deputy head of the police has been on the receiving end of backlash about 101 after sharing the news that 80 per cent of calls to Thames Valley Police via 999 are not emergencies.

Read again: 80 per cent of calls to 999 are non-emergencies

Sharing the news on Twitter, Matthew Barber ­– the deputy police and crime commissioner – was met with complaints from residents about the price of calling 101 and how long it usually takes to get through.

Read more: Police head says government funding system isn't fair

One user said education about when to call has 'never worked' adding: "999 is free to call, 101 is not... I rest my case."

101 will be free to call from next year.