London riots: Operators report small delays
Mail and express operators in the UK are only reporting a small number of delays after a third night of civil unrest in London. Royal Mail’s Daily Operational Customer Statement, issued this morning, said that it was not possible to complete all collections in some parts of the London boroughs of Peckham (SE13), Lewisham (SE15), Brixton (SW2) and Tooting (SW17) yesterday (Monday) due to security and access issues. The operator added that collections should be made from most Post Offices, customers and posting boxes in almost all other parts of London and the UK today.
In terms of deliveries, the majority of Royal Mail services across the country, including London, are taking place as usual.
“In London and a small number of other areas affected by the disturbances, we are endeavouring to maintain normal mail services wherever possible. However, in the areas affected by the civil unrest, some road and police restrictions or damage to properties may limit our ability to access businesses and residential customers to deliver or collect mail today,” the statement said.
“Deliveries were affected yesterday in parts of Stockwell (SW9) and Walthamstow (E17) and Tottenham (N17), where access was not possible to a number of addresses. Some deliveries in both Woolwich and Peckham are likely to be made later than normal today.
“Deliveries may be made later than normal or may not be possible today in parts of Ealing (W5), Tottenham (N17), parts of the E8 (Hackney) postcode area and in parts of Peckham (SE15) as well as some parts of Croydon (CR9). In Woolwich (SE18) some deliveries will be made later than normal today and in parts of Battersea (SW11), access to a number of properties will not be possible today, particularly around the Clapham Junction area. A small number of properties in Birmingham, mainly in Handsworth town centre, are also inaccessible today due to overnight unrest. This may result in limited or no services today. Deliveries and collections in any areas affected by the riots will only be attempted where it is safe and possible for our staff to make them,” Royal Mail said.
On Tuesday lunchtime, DHL said that it had only suffered minimal disruption, and placed employee safety at the top of its agenda.
A spokesperson said: “Following the riots last night, DHL is pleased to report minimal disruption to its scheduled deliveries, with the exception of a handful of localised areas in the capital where shops have been looted or burnt out. Despite rioting in Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol, deliveries will continue as scheduled today, with the safety of our employees remaining our highest priority.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting confirmation from the authorities regarding potential road closures in London.
“However, we do not anticipate any major disruption today. Our customer service teams are contacting customers this morning where they may be impacted to see if they require additional supplies or changes to their delivery schedules, either as a result of the riots or as contingency planning, and we will provide updates as the situation develops.”
More to follow…
