NEW phone numbers are expected to run out in Bradford within 12 months, such is the demand in the city.

To combat this, Ofcom is making changes to the way local calls are dialled for all 01274 numbers. From October 1 any such call will require the area code to be included when dialling from a landline.

In effect this will release 190,000 new numbers which can then be allocated - all local numbers beginning with a zero or a one.

It’s a change that while simple, will still take a bit of getting used to - and dialling a local call will become a longer process with those extra five digits.

As an Ofcom spokesman explains: “The number of telecoms companies has increased significantly over the last ten years, leading to more competition and cheaper landline bills for millions of homes and businesses. But it has also led to increased pressure on the supply of new phone numbers in five areas (including Bradford and the surrounding areas such as Baildon, Bingley, Cleckheaton and Shipley).

“Asking landline callers to use the code locally is intended to safeguard the future supply of new landline numbers and avoid the need for more disruptive measures, such as changing existing phone numbers.

“The supply of new landline numbers also ensures that consumers and businesses continue to enjoy the widest choice of telecoms providers.”

Consultation took place last year and documents explaining the proposals highlight the need to close local dialling in five areas of the country where supplies are running low. These are Aberdeen, Brighton, Middlesbrough and Milton Keynes, as well as Bradford. All five areas will switch over come October 1.

Essentially this will allow Ofcom to offer local numbers that begin with ‘0’ and ‘1’. At the moment such numbers cannot be used while local calls are dialled without the area code because telephone networks may not be able to determine whether a caller dialling a six-digit number starting with ‘0’ is intending to call a local fixed-line number or a mobile number, for example. Also if the area code is not dialled before a local number beginning with ‘1’, networks could interpret the first few digits as a call to an operator service, or a 118 directory enquiry number.

The solution - to require the area code to be dialled to prevent this confusion - does not require changes to any existing phone numbers. In addition the cost of a local call is not affected.

Val Summerscales, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, detailed how businesses in the city were prepared for the effects of the dialling changes, but added that the alternative of changing phone numbers would be much more costly and difficult.

“I originally informed our member businesses when we first became aware of it 12 months ago, and again around six months ago. I will also issue another reminder shortly.

“It’s a bit more time consuming for a business calling a local customer or supplier, and it may have an impact on some signage, but it would be much more costly to change the numbers themselves.”

Similar changes were introduced for the first time in 2012 in the Bournemouth area and according to Ofcom caused “minimal disruption to consumers”.

Awareness of the forthcoming changes is key, as “dialling behaviour” requires a change for every local call. The whole telephone number must be dialled - and if not a recorded message will be heard asking for the code to be included.

A campaign is currently being run called Dial the Code to ensure that all those living in the five dialling code areas affected are aware of the changes. Those affected are being encouraged to get into the habit of dialling the code now.

Flyers state: “The change is necessary to safeguard the supply of phone numbers in the Bradford telephone area, which includes places such as Baildon, Bingley, Cleckheaton and Shipley. Why not get into the habit now? Start dialling the code for every local call you make. The cost of calls will not change.

“If you forget to do this after 1 October, don’t worry – you’ll hear a free message asking you to redial using the code.”

Ofcom has been working with telephone companies to ensure that callers are informed of the change in good time. If you have any questions you can email dialthecode@ofcom.org.uk, visit ofcom.org.uk/dialthecode or call 0300 123 3333.

Predictions also highlight further areas in the region where new phone numbers are expected to run out in the next ten years, with Hull, Rotherham, York and Wakefield on the list.