CUMBRIA County Council have decided to stop making people use a premium rate phoneline to report faults on the roads.


The Highways Hotline was initially not changed from an expensive 0845 to a cheaper 0300 number because the council did not deem it 'cost effective'.


The discrepancy was noticed initially by Windermere councillor Ben Berry, who was shocked to see a 'huge' phone bill after allegedly being charged £20 for reporting road issues in the wake of Storm Desmond.


People in South Lakeland were being hit harder than those in any other district because the region was the last option on the automated phone service, meaning they had to wait on the line longer and pay more money.


Cllr Berry said the council did not change the number initially 'because it would be cheaper for them, even though they knew it would be more expensive for the people of our area'.


But now, after a 'recent review', the council will adopt the cheaper number.


A statement from the authority reads: "The Cumbria County Council Highways Hotline number has changed. The new number is 0300 303 2992. 


"The change from a 0845 number to a 0300 number will mean a lower call cost for the majority of callers, although this will depend on which phone company they are with, whether it is a land line or mobile, and where they are calling from.


"Anyone calling the Cumbria County Council Highways Hotline on the 0845 number will still get through. 


"A recorded message will inform them that it is cheaper to redial on the 0300 number, but they will also be given the option to remain on the line to be connected. 


"Callers will also be encouraged to report highways issues online.

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"The recorded message will run until such time as calls to the 0845 have reduced to a minimum.


"Cumbria County Council did not generate any income from the 0845 number and this will remain the case for the new 0300 number.


"A full programme is in place to ensure the old number is replaced across the range of materials and locations it appears on. 


"This transition will take place over the coming weeks."


To report a highways fault visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/highwayshotline