Royal Mail to roll out parcel postboxes in first major change in 160 years
The Royal Mail is launching the UK’s first parcel postboxes in several cities, with a country-wide roll out expected in the summer.
The move follows a successful trial and marks the first major change in the use of postboxes in 160 years.
Parcel postboxes mean small businesses and other sellers can post pre-paid parcels in the same way they post letters.
They will also allow customers to post some barcoded returns parcels back at any time, rather than having to head to the Post Office first.
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The parcel postboxes are being introduced later this year in locations across the country including Birmingham, Leeds, Aberdeen and Cardiff.
Mark Street, head of campaigns at Royal Mail, said: “The wide-scale introduction of parcel postboxes is one of the many ways we are looking to make the lives of our customers easier.
“The parcel postboxes trial last year was a success, and we hope that the wider roll-out gives added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”
Royal Mail said the boxes will be rolled out across the country from August.