Early in 2005, Paul Tyler boosted a nationwide campaign started by the Radio Four programme You and Yours to end the use of ‘0870’ numbers.  The lines are advertised as ‘national rate’ yet often cost callers many times more than the charge for a normal national call.

Scandalously, various Government departments have continued to use these numbers, generating vast profits at the public's expense. The low-point of the last year, was the use of a premimum rate line for the London Bombings helpline. The Metropolitan Police have subseqeuntly apologised and the money generated was donated to charity.

The Communications Watchdog (OFCOM) is currently reviewing their advice regarding the use of these numbers, as a result of the pressure of the campaign.

Frustratingly, there continues to be unsatisfactory progress at the highest level, with an unbelievable lack of coordination across Government. Some Departments no longer use these numbers, whilst others are phasing them out across differing time scales, from a year to 18 months!