New foes for Consignia
Consignia, the Post Office and Royal Mail group, could face further competition because industry regulator Postcomm is considering issuing one-year licences to Securicor Omega Express, London Underground and Datarun for specialist business services.
Securicor is hoping to provide internal courier services for HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, while London Underground plans an internal mail service between itself, other members of the London Regional Transport group and members of Transport for London.
Datarun is seeking an interim licence allowing it to deliver addressed mail, such as invoices and subscription renewals alongside the existing delivery of publications.
Financial Times
Press Release from Postcomm – 21.3.02
Postcomm consults on three new interim licences
Postcomm today began consultation on the proposed issue of short- term postal licences to Securicor Omega Express, London Underground Ltd and Datarun.
Securicor Omega Express has applied for a licence to provide internal courier services for HSBC and Royal Bank of Scotland, picking mail up from collection points, taking it to a hub where it is sorted and delivering it to the addressee by 6am the next working day.
London Underground wishes to provide an internal mail service between itself, other members of the London Regional Transport group and members of the Transport for London group.
Datarun already distributes publications for which it does not require a licence. An interim licence, if granted, would enable the company also to deliver addressed mail, such as invoices and subscription renewals, with the publications. Up to now these have had to be sent separately through Royal Mail.
There is no evidence that any of the proposed licences – which would last for one year — will have an adverse effect on the provision of a universal service. Their grant would be in the interests of users.
The consultation and text of the proposed licences can be found on Postcomm’s website, www.postcomm.gov.uk. Copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road, London SE1 7DB. The deadline for responses is 22 April.
