Numpty?
That's as maybe, but it doesn't alter the fact that you must dial 02072 from outside London in order to reach a number in 'inner' London.

As for what you must dial from within London, I struggle to care.
(Dr. Scambolic, Tue 21 Oct 2008, 15:00, 2 replies)

You are so wrong.
Go away and read this before coming back.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_telephone_code_misconceptions
( cupboardy, Tue 21 Oct 2008, 17:53, closed)

*Rolls eyes*
Please look here.

And here.
(Dr. Scambolic, Tue 21 Oct 2008, 22:09, closed)

Yes, numpty
I'm afraid you don't seem to understand the concept of a dialling code - which was the theme of the original post after all.

Let's try moving up a level. Do you accept that the international dialling code for the UK is 0044? Yes? Splendid. Do you have to dial 0044 to call a number within the UK? No. You are in the UK, therefore it is unnecesary.

Now let us try it again. The London dialling code is 020. Do you have to dial 020 to call a number within London? No.

And finally. If you have a phone number starting 02072 (using your example) do you have to dial 02072 to call within your area? YES. The 7 and 2 are put of the phone number, not part of the dialling code. You have to start, 72xxxxxx. To hammer the point home, say you live in Leeds and your phone number starts 011457. You still have to start calls to numbers that begin with 57 with the 57 because the dial code is 0114.

Go read cupboardy's wikipedia link again. Consider the fact that a whole page exists on the subject of misconceptions means that misconceptions are quite common. Especially common for people who live outside of London. Do you live outside of London? Is it just possible that this misconception might apply to you? Answer: Yes. You're a numpty.
(annexed, Thu 23 Oct 2008, 13:48, closed)