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Colin Rosenstiel · March 29th 07, 12:55 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article ,
(Richard J.) wrote:

Fig wrote:
On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:40:40 +0100, Richard J.
wrote:

ALL numbers in London have an area code of 020 followed by a
4-digit exchange code...

Beg pardon?
Are you saying that all numbers on the same exchange will start
with the same 4 first numbers?
I guess not, but what do you mean by '4-digit exchange code'?

To take the number in the title of this thread as an example, the
enquiries number for London Transport used to be ABBey 1234, one of
up to 9999 numbers on the ABBey exchange, which became the 222
exchange when all-figure numbers were introduced. That exchange is
now the 7222 exchange, and all numbers on that exchange have the
format 020 7222 xxxx. 7222 is what I called the '4-digit exchange
code', though I note that OFCOM now refer to the area code (020 in
this example) and the 'number' (7222 1234) without any mention of
'exchange'. In London it has always been necessary to dial all 8
(formerly 7) numbers including the exchange code for local calls
within London.

We have an ABBey (7222) number at work but most of our lines are on 7227
and 7340 numbers these days. So a London local "exchange" is a bit
meaningless.

--
Colin Rosenstiel