Probe into high parcel posting costs for north UK

A Charging structure discriminating against consumers in the Highlands and Islands is to be reviewed by Parcelforce.

The Royal Mail Group business said yesterday the review would assess the distribution network and zonal pricing system which splits the UK into three different charging areas, including one specifically for the Highlands and Islands.

The other zone covers England, Wales and parts of Scotland, while the third area takes in Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scilly Isles.

There have been regular complaints in recent years at the extra costs consumers face when ordering goods over the Internet or from mail order firms.

A 2kg parcel posted from most locations in mainland Britain for next day delivery to the Highlands and Islands costs £23.70.

But the same parcel posted on the same service from London to Aberdeen costs just £11.85.

Parcelforce expects the review, which will particularly focus on the Highlands and Islands, to take upwards of a year to complete.

Vanessa Leeson, the firm’s managing director, said: “Parcelforce Worldwide has been working hard to restructure and is now focusing on express services over one and two days and for morning timed services as well as close of business.

“The time is now right therefore for us to look at all aspects of our network in Scotland. We have been listening hard over the last six months while we have been restructuring our company and we feel this review will help us to better understand our market place in Scotland.”

Ms Leeson said the review of the zonal pricing system would find out if there was any scope to better service the firm’s Scottish consumers.

She added: “It is a complex issue and will take us some time to complete.”

Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber MP David Stewart welcomed the review.

He said: “I am delighted that Parcelforce is reviewing this.”