I have just tried to phone the Royal Mail Customer Services using the alternative numbers to the 08457 number and get a recorded message each time saying that I have dialled an incorrect number and the call will be ended. This happened with another company a few months ago when the geographical number never was answered, but as soon as I used the 0870 number got through immediately. Also one company was quite angry that I had used the geo number and transferred me to the 0870 number ! Obviously companies are getting wise to people using the geographical numbers. Has anyone else experienced this problem and what can we do about it ?

The Royal Mail has been mentioned before. IIRC, the recording, telling you off almost, is very monotonal: "You have dialled a incorrect number" and cuts off. That is because they have taken these individual numbers out of service (although they still answer and if you are on a chargeable package, you will have been charged because it is a recording played by RM).