Heard on the news last night that despite over 1million signing the petition (now removed as pointed out earlier) concerning the congestion charge being rolled out to other areas, the government is going to go ahead as planned anyhow.

That means the 08x petition doesn't stand a chance (which I suspected anyhow).  Had the petition been carefully worded to at least specifically mention that government funded depts (surgeries, schools, etc) shouldn't use 08x then we would have stood more of a chance that it would be seriously looked at.

This petition expires in April so trying to think ahead what happens now?  If we create another petition that specifically mentions government funded depts shouldn't use these numbers and that Ofcom should do more for consumers like better informing us that these numbers are just a lower stealth premium rate, how many of the current 16,401 that have signed will sign another one again?

Personally, I think we should have held off until this one ended and carefully thought of a better worded petition so that consumers only signed one and that the government would more likely take notice off because it's reasonable to expect government funded departments to stop using these numbers to earn revenue (or "rebate" as they like to call it).  I can imagine a lot of those that signed wont be happy and will wonder why they have to sign another one!

No disrespect to the creater of the petition because in a perfect world that's what we would all like but realistically there is no way on this earth that the government would take any notice and force all companies/organisations using these numbers to use geographical or publish a geographical number.

I'm old enough to remember when 0845 numbers first came into play. At this time, it was cheaper to call a local number than it was to call a national number, so 0845 enabled companies to offer a "local" means of contacting them, wherever they were located in the country.

Times have changed since then and we now have the option of a number of telecoms providers who allow us to call ANY UK number using inclusive or free minutes. It's sad that 0845 and 0870 are now being used by companies to make money - exactly the opposite purpose for which they were originally designed!

I believe we should be asking for an abolition of these numbers altogether, on the grounds that they are no longer a useful resource for UK customers.

Whilst any protest against the fundamentally unfair NGDs has my support, the point seems to be being missed. Surely the point is that in these days of PDA's, mobile phones, and even home phones having significant number memories, not to mention the fact that, for the most part, our species can still read and write numbers, the argumant for a 'single, memorable number becomes invalid. The only reason I can perceive for using a NGD is to generate additional income for the provider and user. This is a cheap shot in itself, and bad enough when the companies using them make it clear what the call charges are. However, the real nastiness comes about when they are used as a means of funding 'free' helplines or other neccessary or unavoidable resources. I would encourage EVERYONE to spread the word join this petition. Whilst the road pricing one seems to have done little good, this, I think, is a different issue and one where enough pressure can be brought to bear on the rule makers to get something done.

The Anti Road Pricing petition was initially started by emailing all the members of Car Clubs, Classic Car Clubs for example.  All members were urged to pass on the email to their friends.  Thats how they got the large number of signatures going and then when the media noticed the momentum really got going.   Can anyone think of a relevant large group of people who could be emailed about our 0870 petition?

"The entire 1 million strong user base of www.moneysavingexpert.com who get Martin Lewis's weekly email would be a good starting point I reckon."

I would strongly agree, NGM,  but isn't Martin Lewis now a (well) paid member of the 'media establishment', and, as such, doubt that he would wish to involve himself in anything that might smack of 'political' posturing.

Thanks for the suggestions.  I have written to Martin Lewis asking if he will publicise this Petition on his website, endorse the Petition and promote it to his membership by email if possible.   I also referred to the debate on this Forum.   Let's see how he responds.

Had you bet the last time people were making similar predictions, I think you'd have lost your money.

The man has mentioned 0870 issues on several occasions, and this site is supported by him, so perhaps this presumptive criticism is undeserved, especially as there was some variance of opinion even amongst people here on the effectiveness of a petition, whether in general or the specific wording of that one.

Hey guys, I know this is an open forum, but we're supposed to be on the same side! Let the fella try. If he fails no harm done, but if he succeeds we all move forward eh!