Nicky Morgan MP has unveiled one of Leicestershire’s first parcel postboxes on Prince William Road, Loughborough LE11 5GU, following the announcement earlier this year that Royal Mail is introducing the UK’s first ever parcel postboxes in locations across the UK.

The launch of parcels postboxes across the UK will see Royal Mail convert existing meter boxes (c.1,400 in total) to accept parcels posted in the same way that letters are today. The postboxes include a wider aperture and secure design. The initiative follows a successful trial of the boxes in 2018.

This is the first time parcel postboxes have been widely introduced in the UK, and the launch represents the first major change of use for the postbox since it was introduced 160 years ago. The launch of parcel postboxes is also one of the biggest innovations in parcels since the launch of Parcel Post in 1883.

The change means that small businesses and marketplace sellers can post pre-paid parcels through securely designed parcel postboxes, in the same way that they currently post a letter. Customers will also be able to post some return parcels at any time, seven days a week.

Rt Hon Nicky Morgan, Member of Parliament for Loughborough said “Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy and, given the changing way we shop and do business, with the rise of the internet and e-commerce, I welcome Royal Mail’s commitment to enable small businesses and marketplace sellers to post pre-paid parcels in the same way they currently post letters.”

Mark Street, Head of Campaigns at Royal Mail said: “The introduction of the first parcel postboxes in Loughborough means that customers can now send parcels with pre-paid postage and their returns in the same way that they do letters. The new parcel postboxes provide added flexibility to online sellers who might be running a business in their spare time and not keeping regular office hours.”