Barcode plan for Welsh post boxes
POST boxes throughout Wales are to be barcoded, recording when mail is collected.
The new technology, pioneered in Flintshire, is to be extended to the whole of the country.
Gordon Donaldson of Mold, local representative on Postwatch Wales, said postmen would swipe a bar code inside the box each time they collect mail from the box.
It means managers can check all boxes are emptied at the correct time.
Mr Donaldson said: “Our survey in Wales earlier this year proved the collection times were more reliable in areas with bar coding.
“Investing in the technology would significantly reduce delayed mail, caused by postmen accidentally or deliberately emptying boxes before the last advertised time.
“This will give a better service to the customer, especially those who pay a third more postage for the first class mail service. ”
Royal Mail also said the first stage in restoring post box “tabs” in the LL post code area of North Wales will be completed by the end of next week.
Tabs indicate when the next collection is due.
The completion date for the CH area of North Wales has not yet been announced.
“Postwatch Wales vigorously opposed abolition of the tabs, ” added Mr Donaldson.
“They are a reliable indicator to customers when to expect their letters to be collected. ”
