Posten Norge has launched a service across Norway to enable people with disabilities to choose which parcel box they receive their parcels from.
Packages will be delivered at a height of 38-122cm in the middle hatches of the parcel boxes to ensure that people with a disability or functional impairment, such as wheelchair users, can easily collect their parcels.
To use the service, customers need to open the latest version of the Posten app. From there, they should press ‘Profile’, followed by ‘Delivery in Parcel Box’, ‘Hatches in the middle’ and then ‘Save’. These settings will apply to all future packages sent to that customer. Should their personal needs change, customers can follow the same method and choose ‘Delivery in all slots’ in the Posten app.
The parcel boxes have been designed in accordance with the principles of universal design, which aim to design society so that as many people as possible can participate actively regardless of functional ability. Some members of the Handikapforbund (Norwegian Handicapped Association) tested the solution for a few weeks before it was opened nationally.
Kenneth Tjønndal Pettersen, press manager at Posten, said, “With a few simple measures, people with functional impairments or other groups can now have the parcels delivered at a suitable height in the parcel box. Over time, we have had a dialogue with the Norwegian Handikapforbund, which has requested such a solution. Now we are very satisfied that the offer is available nationally, so that as many people as possible get the opportunity to use our parcel boxes. If, against presumption, the parcel box’s middle hatches are full, the parcel will be sent to your local pick-up point.”
Tina Rønning, regional office manager of the Norwegian Handikapforbund Trøndelag, said, “Package boxes are an offer that can be found in many places now. Therefore, we are happy that Posten has chosen to listen to our issues and come up with a solution that means that many of our members who previously could not use the service, now have access to it.”
Read more key delivery updates from the parcel and postal technology industry, here.
