英媒称英国皇家邮政计划告别“邮票时代”

Core Points - The Royal Mail is planning to modernize its services by eliminating stamps and address fields on envelopes, introducing a digital code or barcode system for postage payment [1][2] - The initiative is led by CEO Martin Seidenberg, aiming to adapt the company to the digital age and reduce operational costs [1] - The volume of mail processed by Royal Mail has significantly decreased from 20 billion letters two decades ago to an expected 7 billion in 2024, prompting the need for cost-saving measures [1] Group 1 - The Royal Mail will develop an app that generates a scannable digital code or barcode for postage, which can be printed and affixed to mail [1] - The price of a first-class stamp has risen to £1.70, contributing to the rising operational costs of maintaining daily delivery services [1] - The transition to a digital system is expected to save the Royal Mail between £250 million and £425 million annually [1] Group 2 - To enhance postal infrastructure, the Royal Mail has recruited a top engineer from the Formula 1 Williams team to upgrade 115,000 mailboxes with solar power and package scanning capabilities [2] - The company aims to have 45,000 upgraded postal points within the next five years to improve security and attract urban residents [2] - Despite the modernization efforts, the Royal Mail will continue to issue special edition stamps, as they hold sentimental value for senders [2]