Royal Mail to launch UK's first ever parcel postboxes

Royal Mail has announced plans to introduce the UK’s first ever parcelboxes across the country.

The company said 1,400 of the new boxes would be installed in more than 30 locations nationwide, starting in August.

Customers will be able to post parcels in the same way they post letters now, provided they attach pre-paid labels available on the Royal Mail website.

Leeds, Cardiff, Aberdeen and Birmingham are among the locations that will welcome the new postboxes as they are rolled out across the UK over a six-month period.

The move, which follows a successful trial, represents the first major change in the postal system since existing letter boxes were first introduced in the 1850s, according to Royal Mail.

"The launch of parcel postboxes is also one of the biggest innovations in parcels since the launch of Parcel Post in 1883," the firm added.

Royal Mail’s head of campaigns Mark Street said: "“The wide-scale introduction of parcel postboxes is one of the many ways we are looking to make the lives of our customers easier.

“The parcel postboxes trial last year was a success, and we hope that the wider rollout gives added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”

Royal Mail will create the new parcelboxes by converting existing meter boxes, which it says have a larger aperture and a secure design.

People will also be able to return parcels using the system, provided they have a Royal Mail barcode attached.