Why did Rowland Hill support a uniform postage rate regardless of distance?

Sir Rowland Hill advocated for a uniform postage rate regardless of distance primarily to simplify the postal system and reduce operational costs.12

His research demonstrated that the actual cost of conveying a letter was an insignificant factor in the total expense of handling it. Conversely, the existing intricate charging scales based on distance were highly inefficient; they required a large number of clerks to calculate complex rates and maintain complicated interoffice accounts. By implementing a uniform rate, Hill aimed to eliminate these administrative burdens, thereby increasing the speed and economy of postal operations.21

Furthermore, Hill believed that high postage taxes suppressed mail volume, which in turn limited revenue. He argued that a lower, uniform rate would encourage greater use of the service, ultimately benefiting both the public and the national economy. To support this streamlined model, he also introduced the concept of prepayment via postage stamps, which further removed the costly and time-consuming requirement of collecting payments upon delivery.12