Parcel postboxes launched in Chester and North Wales

Royal Mail has introduced 36 parcel postboxes in Chester and North Wales.

Across the UK about 1,400 existing boxes have been converted to accept parcels posted in the same way letters are today.

The postboxes include a wider aperture and secure design.

A successful trial in 2018 has led to the initiative being rolled out.

The change means small businesses and marketplace sellers can post pre-paid parcels through securely designed parcel postboxes, in the same way that they currently post a letter.

Customers will also be able to post some return parcels at any time, seven days a week.

Post codes covered in this area are CH, LL and SY.

This is the first time parcel postboxes have been widely introduced in the UK and the launch represents the first major change of use for the postbox since it was introduced 160 years ago.

The launch of parcel postboxes has been described as one of the biggest innovations in parcels since the launch of parcel post in 1883.

Mark Street, head of campaigns at Royal Mail, said: “The introduction of parcel postboxes in Chester and North Wales means that customers can now send parcels with pre-paid postage and their returns in the same way that they do letters. The new parcel postboxes provide added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”