When I used the geographical number to call the General Register Office (GRO), I received the message 'We are experiencing a high volume of calls at this time' and was cut off.  I then used the 0845 number and was put in a queue.  Why could I not be put in a queue on the geographical number?  I suspect it was a ploy to obtain more money from the public.  Has anyone else had this happen to them?

It may only be coincidence. The call queue only has a certain capacity. It might just as likely have been the other way round

It may be that the 0845 number routes calls to a different geographical number or that the geographical is just one of a number of numbers the 0845 puts calls through to.

Has it moved office so the geographical number is no longer valid?

Apparently from 1st April 2008, the GRO became part of the Passport and Identity Service so that may have something to do with it'  

When I was put in a 0845 queue I was no. 4 so that queue wasn't very long!! but you could be right as I don't know how these things  work perhaps I was being too cynical.   [smiley=lolk.gif]

Which number did you dial??  :-?

Both 01704 569824 and 0151 4714800 answer with the same menu.

I only used the 01704 56824 number as the other said it was for enquiries about adoptions which wasn't relevant to me.  There was no menu just the aforementioned message.

genesis wrote on Jun 6^th, 2008 at 7:00pm:

I only used the 01704 56824 number as the other said it was for enquiries about adoptions which wasn't relevant to me.  There was no menu just the aforementioned message.

There are two verified numbers and they are the two I have quoted.

The one on adoptions is not verified and is 0151 4714830.

Oh OK!  I was just stating that from memory.  I obviously got that wrong. I knew it was a 0151 number.  Thanks very much for your help.  When I need to phone again I will try both those numbers.   [smiley=grin.gif]