Nothing to address with new mail costs (From Oxford Mail)

Nothing to address with new mail costs

9:09am Tuesday 22nd August 2006 in

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Post offices in Oxford reported a smooth start as the new postal costing system came into effect yesterday.

Previously, the cost of postage was based only on the weight of the item, but now it is based on size, thickness and weight.

Despite concerns that there would be difficulties on the first day of the changes, post offices said customers seemed to have quickly got used to the new system.

Alex Cooper, branch manager at St Aldate's Post Office, said: "I'm very pleased with how it's gone. Customers seem to have grasped the system very quickly.

"We put an extra member of staff on the counter and there was also a Royal Mail employee standing in the queuing area to help customers as they waited and answer any questions they had.

"There haven't been any problems. Some transactions may have taken slightly longer as we explained the system to people but we haven't really been any busier than normal."

Neil Hibbert, deputy manager of St Giles' Post Office, added: "It hasn't caused too much trouble. It's more time consuming but once you get the hang of it, it's OK."

Customers at St Aldate's Post Office had mixed feelings towards the new system, with several voicing concerns that it would be more expensive and time consuming.

Jill Dale, who runs a business from her barge, said: "I think it's extortionate. Both things we just sent had gone up and one was only a fraction over the width in the category below."

Leaflets were sent to every home in Britain detailing the changes, in addition to a national advertising campaign.

Royal Mail spokesman Jane Thomas said it had plenty of leaflets available at post offices in Oxford for anyone who wanted more information on the changes.

We spoke to customers at St Aldate's post office in Oxford yesterday to get their views on the changes.

John Purdy, 47, of Fisher Row, Oxford, said: "It's a way of squeezing out a few more pennies.

"I could have put the letter I just posted in a smaller envelope but then I've got to go out and buy it and I simply don't have the time.

"It's very inconvenient."

Nicola Carter, 54, from Cumnor, said: "It's just a lot more expensive. I post a lot of A4 things but now they are costing more. I've had to pay 44p, compared to 31p before, so I'm not particularly happy."

Suzanne Bigby, in her 60s, East Oxford, added: "The Post Office is just out to make money off working people.

"Pensioners can't afford it - it's a shame they are doing this to us.

"Why do they have to raise prices? It's wrong."

Information is also available online at www.royalmail.com/size, or by calling 08456 113113.