Royal Mail has introduced a new type of parcel postbox capable of accepting medium-sized parcels, marking the largest items yet that can be posted through its network.
Around 600 of the new units will be installed over the next six months, with the first now operational in Belfast. Further rollouts are planned in cities including Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Tyneside.
The solar-powered postboxes are designed to allow customers to send and return pre-labeled medium-sized parcels, as well as letters. They are aimed at online shoppers, small businesses and users of second-hand marketplaces.
The rollout builds on Royal Mail’s existing network of 1,400 parcel postboxes and 3,500 upgraded ‘postboxes of the future’, which accept smaller parcels roughly the size of a shoebox.
The new units include a barcode scanner that opens a secure drop-down drawer for parcel deposit, powered by an integrated solar panel. A separate slot is retained for letters.
Customers can use the postboxes by attaching a pre-paid label – either a return label or postage purchased online via Royal Mail’s Click & Drop service – then scanning the barcode to open the drawer. Proof of posting can be requested through the company’s mobile app.
Jack Clarkson, managing director of out of home at Royal Mail, said the initiative is part of a broader push to improve convenience. “Our new parcel postboxes mean our customers have another simple and convenient way of sending or returning their parcels. This is great news for small businesses, online shoppers and the growing numbers of people selling on second-hand marketplaces,” he said.
Royal Mail said the expansion forms part of its strategy to increase the number of drop-off and collection points available to customers. In addition to postboxes, the company has introduced parcel lockers and Royal Mail Shops.
The operator maintains a network of 115,000 postboxes across the UK and continues to provide delivery and collection services to every address nationwide.
In related news, Royal Mail outlines £500m plan to improve universal service performance