Related Articles
The changes are part of Royal Mail’s nationwide rollout of new “Parcel Postboxes”, described as the biggest transformation to the postbox network in more than 175 years.
What are the new postboxes?
Unlike the classic letter-only boxes, the new Parcel Postboxes are designed to accept small to medium-sized parcels as well as letters.
They feature a larger posting slot and are built to take packages up to 45cm x 35cm x 16cm, with a maximum weight of 2kg, roughly the size of a shoebox.
That means residents can now post returns or small parcels without needing to queue at a Post Office or visit a parcel shop.
Royal Mail says there are now more than 1,400 Parcel Postboxes across the UK, offering customers a more convenient way to send items.
The traditional letter slot remains in place for standard mail.
What have Royal Mail said?
A spokesperson previously said: “Our new postboxes of the future offer another convenient way for customers to access Royal Mail’s services, alongside home delivery and collection, customer service points, Post Office branches, lockers and Royal Mail shops.”
Why are they being introduced?
The move reflects the changing way people use the postal service, with far more parcels being sent due to online shopping and returns, according to the Royal Mail.
Royal have said that the new boxes are designed to offer:
24/7 access for parcel drop-offs
- A quick and easy alternative to Post Offices and parcel shops
- The ability to get proof of posting via the Royal Mail app
- A secure drop-off option for small parcels
To use one, customers simply buy postage online or via the Royal Mail app, print and attach their label, scan it in the app for proof of posting, and drop the parcel into the box.
Why have some been wrapped up?
Across parts of County Durham and Darlington, some residents have reported seeing familiar postboxes covered in black plastic or taped up.
In many cases, this is because they are being upgraded as part of the rollout.
Some display notices and QR codes explaining the changes, while others are awaiting installation of the new technology.
The timing has raised questions locally, particularly during busy postal periods when people rely heavily on nearby boxes for cards, gifts and returns.
Royal Mail has described the introduction of these parcel-ready boxes as a major modernisation of its historic network, aimed at giving customers more flexibility alongside home collections, customer service points, Post Office branches, lockers and Royal Mail shops.
Where are they in County Durham?
Several of the new Parcel Postboxes have already appeared across County Durham and Darlington, with more expected as the rollout continues.
Residents can check the location of their nearest Parcel Postbox by visiting Royal Mail’s service finder here.
