Royal Mail issues clarification statement on use of PDAs
Following recent UK media reports that Royal Mail is planning to use cameras in its new PDAs to provide proof of delivery for some items, the postal operator has issued a statement clarifying its position. In the statement, sent to Post&Parcel today, a Royal Mail spokesperson is quoted as saying: “We have built a camera facility in the new PDAs. However we haven’t made any decision over whether, or how, this might be deployed.
“Royal Mail already allows customers to identify a designated Safe Place for delivery if they are not at home – and don’t wish an item to be delivered to a neighbour.
“In some circumstances and subject to technical considerations, the camera facility might potentially be utilised where a customer requests proof of delivery to that designated Safe Space.
“We would ensure any usage was fully data compliant and conducted within the strict guidelines of the Information Commissioner’s Office.”
On the website for Royal Mail employees – www.myroyalmail.com – the company also offered this bit of practice advice for its postal delivery staff: “You should continue to deliver parcels and letters as you usually do. If the customer is not at home, you should attempt Delivery to Neighbour, except for Special Delivery, International Signed For or if the customer has opted out. If the item is an RM Tracked item and has an official safe place, then it may be left as instructed on the label.”
