Dorset Police are in the firing line again over problems with residents reporting crime after a disabled resident was told to travel 30 miles to speak to officers.

The force has pledged to review its processes after Jeff Allen complained about the 'inefficient' service.

It comes after concerns from residents having difficulty reporting incidents on the 101 non-emergency system.

Mr Allen, 50, says his disabled wife Ruth 51, a blue badge holder who has mobility problems, was in a fail-to-stop collision near their home in Crossways. A car hit hers as she reversed, and drove off. Mrs Allen was not hurt but her car was damaged.

Knowing it wasn't serious enough to dial 999, Mr Allen reported it on the Do it Online section of the Dorset Police website – a reporting system promoted by the force.

Mr Allen filled in an online form, stating his wife had a disability.

But he was told later in an email his wife would have to report it at the nearest police station, and within 24 hours.

The nearest station to the Allens' is Weymouth, but its opening hours on Saturdays – the day of the incident – are 9am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm and it is closed on Sundays. Bournemouth's police station is open seven days a week.  But the Allens refused to go to Bournemouth, a journey of 30 miles.

Mr Allen said: “You need to report an incident within 24 hours – that’s the law –and the website is supposed to make things more efficient; it’s very inefficient. 

“My wife has severe arthritis and she’s not very mobile. It was a minor incident so we didn’t want to waste anybody’s time calling 999 or 101 and I did not want to drive her to Bournemouth when she would be in pain.

“There was damage to the car but it was the not stopping that we wanted to report."

He added: “It feels like they’re trying to dissuade you from reporting it. I understand there are budget constraints and they’ve got to make it work with what they’ve got, but not at the expense of anyone else.” 

Dorset Police said they received a report of a fail-to-stop collision shortly after 5pm on January 14.

A spokesman said: “In addition to the initial report, those involved in such a collision are required by law to attend a police station to present their driving documents to allow an investigation to take place.

“The informant received an email back to this effect, stating the nearest police stations able to deal with reports of road traffic collisions were Weymouth, Bridport and Bournemouth. His nearest station being a 20-minute drive to Weymouth.

“Unfortunately, the informant did not disclose at the time of the report that they had mobility problems, however if they did we would have been able to tailor a response for them to assist with their specific requirements. Now we are fully aware, we will make alternative arrangements with them."

The spokesman added: “We will review our processes to ensure they are easy to understand and accessible for all members of the community.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, Martyn Underhill, said he “supports efforts to improve contact between residents of Dorset and Dorset Police.”

Mr Underhill said: “In a digital age, and with reduced operating hours and closures of enquiry offices in mind, it makes sense to improve residents’ ability to get in touch with the police using online channels, where appropriate. 

“I am continuing to seek Dorset residents’ views on further investment to improve non-emergency contact, including via 101 and online crime reporting.”