People are only just realising why postmen write ‘P’ on letters | UK | News

Postmen, in their red Royal Mail post vans, are a British institution. But most Brits who get their post delivered by the men and women in red will at some point have received a letter with a big ‘P’ written on it.

Many will think it’s simply a mistake, but there’s actually a good reason for the large letter.

One Reddit user wanted an explanation and the internet community came to their aid, sharing the reasoning for all to see.

The Reddit user asked: “Can anybody tell me why all my letters the last few days have had a ‘P’ symbol written on them?”

Many users had a good guess. One person quipped: “It’s what thieves use to mark your house to let others know you have expensive dogs.”

And another user suggested: “Postman’s way of letting you know he thinks you’re a p****.”

Fortunately, a postie saw the message and replied with the answer. They explained that the ‘P’ just helps them and their colleagues track when there’s parcels coming. They explained: “You had a packet/parcel. Stops us from forgetting about it!”

And another explained it another way: “It’s the postie’s way of reminding themselves that when they come to post your letter there’s also a parcel for you.

“That’s so they don’t post your letter then find out halfway down the street they forgot to knock and give you your parcel.

“Or sometimes they’ll write P10 or something on the previous letter – that lets them know they have a parcel for next door (number 10) but no letter.”