On Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:57:01 +0100, 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.

I understand, although I think your reasoning is out of date. Surely now,
the code for London is 020 and no inference can be made at all about the
next 4 digits. Numbers connected to a given exchange in London will be 8
digits long and the only thing connecting them is that they will start
with either 3,7or8?


--
Fig