Royal Mail to ban traditional stamps as new barcode system is rolled out

Royal Mail has announced plans to ban traditional stamps as they’re set to be replaced by a new barcode stamp system.

The postal service could also charge people up to £3.50 to receive their post after the ban.

Any parcels or letters with traditional stamps on them after the ban is in place will be left at sorting offices with a “surcharge” added.

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People who receive items with the old stamps will receive a “fee to pay” card and be told to collect them from a sorting office.

This extra cost stands at £2 a letter or £3.50 for a small parcel.

According to the Daily Star, campaigner Malcolm Booth said this move would “make life most difficult for the elderly and vulnerable – the very people who use stamps the most”.

He added: “Stopping people ­using normal stamps and making them pay to receive post will cause disruption.”

But older people, vulnerable people, and those in rural areas could be at risk.

Royal Mail – which is battling week-long delivery delays in some areas – says customers will be able to swap traditional stamps for the same value of new barcoded ones from March 31.

But campaigners warn some people will miss the announcement and only find out about the ban when it comes in.

Mr Booth added: “Many people have a stash of stamps at home. How many will not get the message about the changeover?”

Experts are calling for a switch-over period of several years where people can use both kinds of stamps.

Royal Mail said: “Non-barcoded stamps will remain usable until January 31, 2023.

“Either use up non-barcoded stamps you have or swap them using our scheme.

“Details of the swap scheme will be announced in due course.”

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