The publicity surrounding the suspension of Roger Annies, the postman who advised people on his round how to avoid unaddressed junk mail, has led to an enormous increase in the number of people wanting to know how they can stop junk mail. Yesterday, Royal Mail's customer services phone line went on a meltdown and the website of the Mailing Preference Service – the main opt-out scheme for addressed junk mail – struggled to cope with unprecedented visitor numbers.

In response, Royal Mail has asked householders signing up to its Door-to-Door Opt-Out to reconsider. In a statement the company has warned householders that they may miss information from government if they register with the opt-out scheme:

It is not possible for us to separate advertising material and information that customers may want, such as leaflets from Central and Local Government and other public bodies. Opting out from Royal Mail Door to Door stops all unaddressed items delivered by Royal Mail.

Ambiguous information

Postwatch, the independent watchdog for postal services in the UK, has asked Royal Mail to clarify whether or not householders who register with the Door-to-Door Opt-Out will continue to receive government publications. In a letter to Royal Mail the watchdog writes:

[…] we are concerned about the ambiguity of the information surrounding opting out. Both your website and phone message state that, if a customer chooses to opt out, then they may not receive communications from national and local government […].

We would ask you to ensure that there is clear and consistent customer information for door-to-door opt-out [sic] which states that, should customers choose to opt out, relevant government and public information material will continue to be delivered and that this is properly publicised.

The letter also asks for clarification on junk mail addressed 'To the Occupier'. According to Postwatch it is unclear whether or not householders registered with the Door-to-Door Opt-Out can expect to no longer receive this type of junk mail. Royal Mail has not yet responded to the letter.