Price change for UK post

Changes to postage prices could cause confusion at Post Office branches, customers and consumer groups have warned.

Royal Mail is bringing in a new system called Pricing in Proportion, which it claims will make the cost of posting a letter fairer.

The changes, which come into effect on August 21, mean charges will be based on size and thickness as well as weight.

The cost of posting an A4 envelope will go up – with a new 44p stamp introduced.

Royal Mail says the new system better reflects the cost of collecting, sorting and delivering mail.

But some people are worried it could cause frustration at the Post Office counter.

Shopper Amanda Ayres (41), a driving instructor from Lincoln, said she thought it might lead to longer queues.

But she admitted: “I think businesses will be more affected, rather than normal people. A lot of people do not use snail mail anymore, they use text messages and e-mail.”

Postwatch, the independent organisation which looks after the rights of postal customers, admits to having concerns too.

But a spokesman said Royal Mail was stepping up a publicity campaign to ensure people are ready when the new rules arrive.

She said: “Royal Mail have really done everything they can to reach everybody. Because it is about a month away the radio and TV campaign will really be stepping up. They could not do it much before because people would forget it.

“While we have concerns we accept that it is going to happen. People will get used to it, it is like any major change.”

Royal Mail spokesman David Dale said more than 85 per cent of stamped mail would cost the same or less to send.

He said the new large letter category would actually make postage simpler.

“It makes it very easy, as you do not have to tot up the number of stamps you need,” he explained. “A large letter needs a large stamp – that is it.

“Once you know your letter is classified as large, the rest is straightforward.”

At the Co-op Post Office branch at City Square in Lincoln, new boards have been installed at the counter showing customers the dimensions of the new categories of letters and packages.

Area manager Pam Sanders said: “I think once people get used to the idea it will not be a problem. They will adapt quite quickly.

“Initially there maybe a problem but I think it will not be very long before people get to know what they can send.”