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AIBU?

to think that almost 14 years after

150 replies

FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:27

the area code for London changed to 020, there seems to be a ridiculous number of total idiots people who still can't get it right?

The code is NOT 0207 or 0208 FFS, it is 020 followed by an 8 digit telephone number. For example, my number starts 020 3xxx xxxx, where the fuck is the 7 or 8 in that then? If I want to dial a number within London I will dial 7xxx xxxx, 3xxx xxxx or 8xxx xxxx. The 020 is irrelevant you inefficient twats

I have seen four, FOUR, brand new shops/restaurants this morning whose twattishness have ordered sign writers to do the 0207/0208 thing. Why? What's so fucking difficult.

AIBU to think they're all idiots?

AIBU to get the RAGE?*


  • this one I know I am, but I will continue to do so I fear.
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NorbertDentressangle · 29/04/2013 13:30
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TheWave · 29/04/2013 13:30

YANBU. This really annoys me too. Has always done so. It is not logical to speak it or write it that way.

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:32

Norbert, you only need to back out if you're guilty Grin. I'm pretty tame usually. I've just had the most ridiculous phone call trying to give my number and the stupid person at the end of the line would NOT believe I didn't have the 7 or 8, hence my rage.

TheWave, thank you, I'm glad it's not just me.

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TheWave · 29/04/2013 13:34

Just practice it. 020 lalalala lalalala.

Bit like the kg lb nonsense tho. It's been g and kg for all of their lives for everyone up to say the age of 55? Journalists I am looking at you particularly.

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:36

Don't get me started on that one too!

I, when asked for my number, like to baffle the thickos by leaving the 020 off, that really throws them Grin

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NorbertDentressangle · 29/04/2013 13:37

No, not guilty! Honest.

Its just the combination of your user name and your rant was a bit scary and I didn't feel qualified to comment as I've not had any experience of London nos. TBH! Grin

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Fenton · 29/04/2013 13:37

Ah, I get it, so your dialing code is 0203 then?

::runs::

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:38

Grin

I'm soft really, honest!

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:39


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Fenton · 29/04/2013 13:40

This will make you feel calmer, - especially point 8.


here

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:43
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Fenton · 29/04/2013 13:45

Grin

and this

In fact, I'm wondering whether you are the author..


0203 Numbers

In the UK, an 0203 number is a normal landline phone number within the London (020) area code.

Any UK number beginning with 020 is a London number. The '020' area code at the beginning is optional if you're dialling from one London 020 landline phone to another.


0203, 0207, 0208 or 020?

There is no 0203 area code. London has a single city-wide area code of 020, used with eight-digit local numbers.

The correct way to write a number beginning '0203' is (020) 3xxx xxxx, as this clearly distinguishes the optional 020 area code from the eight digit local phone number. (Why this matters...)

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:47

Yes, I could have quite easily written that! I must confess to snorting with a degree of derision when I see yet another new sign go up with it done incorrectly, especially when it's an estate agent one. You'd think they'd know, but they don't. Idiots.

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limitedperiodonly · 29/04/2013 13:55

I didn't realise you could leave off the 020 bit if you were calling someone in the same area as you Blush I'm going to try that later. [sadperson]

I don't know why I didn't realise that. I'm old enough to remember 01 for London and you could do that then.

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AmberLeaf · 29/04/2013 13:55

I know that that is the correct way, BUT...in my head it is wrong!

If I say my number I say...'0208...XXX XXXX'

Can't help it sorry!

I think it is because that was how I said my number before they introduced all the 7 and 8 business.

When they started all that, it was not a 7 or 8 added to the front of your number.

I sometimes see signs still up with 071 XXX XXXX or 081 XXX XXXX, I think that's pretty bad!

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AmberLeaf · 29/04/2013 13:58

or was it 0181---0171, in fact I think it may have been both.

BTW I don't like those 0203 numbers, I can't tell where people are geographically from them, unlike with the 7-8 numbers [inner-outer London]

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 13:58

Thats the spirit limited.

Amber I am terribly disappointed in you. Though you get half a mark for the 0171/0181 criticism.

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kim147 · 29/04/2013 14:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GetOrfMoiLand · 29/04/2013 14:01

Yes! This has annoyed me for years.

Especially on sighs in shops in LONDON where you think they would know.

And when people say the number wrong and say 0208 or 0207 instead of 020 PAUSE and then the rest of the number.

I am so glad I am not alone in my sad and pointless ranting (even more sad and pointless for me as I don't even live in London).

I saw a sign some time ago with 01. I also remember the BT ads with Maureen LIpman when they changed the numbers and had to educate the populace.

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MyNameIsAnAnagram · 29/04/2013 14:01

Yanbu. I live in a city with a 4 digit code, then most of the numbers start with 2. But mine doesn't, it starts with a 3, the amount of people who just cannot get that into their heads is so annoying!

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limitedperiodonly · 29/04/2013 14:02

I like to grapple with new technology fts. It staves off Alzheimer's.

There's a shop near me with an 071 number on its sign. Maybe it's a lucky charm and they're scared that that if they replace it they'll go bust.

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FuckThisShit · 29/04/2013 14:03

The numbers changed to 0171 and 0181 in 1995. 0171 was central London, and those areas immediately south of the river - Battersea, Waterloo etc. Then I did indeed have to use the 0181 code to ring London pretenders Wink, and people would pay BT to have an 0171 number if they lived in Clapham, for example!

Today it is to unusual for an 020 7xxx xxxx number to be given to a line that is not in the inner London ring, though the 020 3xxx xxxx is now the usual number for a new line, to confuse people like you Grin

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GrandPoohBah · 29/04/2013 14:03

Agreed. It makes me angry too, it's really not rocket science.

But I dislike the 3xxx xxxx numbers as well, for the same reason as above - you can't tell where it is.

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TantrumsAndBalloons · 29/04/2013 14:03

my number is 020 3xxx xxxx

No one ever believes me. They keep saying "so its 0208 3xxx xxxx

no. no it is NOT. Theres no 8. Theres no 7

it is 020 3

I know this because it IS MY FUCKING NUMBER.

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lynniep · 29/04/2013 14:04

LOL. This would give me the rage too! Except that I don't live in London anymore so I don't have to get all cross about it :)

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