Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services in the UK, has accused Royal Mail of using 'scare tactics' to deter people from stopping unaddressed junk mail distributed by the company.

In August 2006, Postwatch asked Royal Mail to clarify whether or not people registered with the company's Door-to-Door Opt-Out would continue to receive local or national government publications. In response Royal Mail has confirmed that a 'separate service' is used if government requires Royal Mail to deliver unaddressed mail items to all addresses. 'Election materials' will also be delivered to all households.

However, on its website Royal Mail still advises people that:

"It is not possible for Royal Mail to separate material that you don't want from material that you do want, such as advertising offers or leaflets from Central and Local Government and other public bodies. Opting out from Royal Mail Door to Door stops all unaddressed items from being delivered by us."

Postwatch has rubbished the information Royal Mail gives its customers. The watchdog told Which? Magazine: "Consumers should not be put off. The letter is unnecessarily worrying and we're in talks with Royal Mail to get it changed.

"As Government owns Royal Mail, it will make sure that anything of national importance is delivered to everyone and consumers will still receive electoral information."

Postwatch also pointed out that Royal Mail delivered information about its new pricing structure to every household, including those registered with the Door-to-Door Opt-Out.