There are some places the Royal Mail says it ‘can’t’ leave parcels – even if the householder has requested it
Change your Safeplace before December 25 to avoid any issues with festive deliveries(Image: Benjamin Robinson via Getty Images)
Royal Mail says it “can’t” leave parcels if your Safeplace is in one of four categories. If yours is on the list, it may be worth changing it now – especially with more parcels due to arrive in the run-up to December 25.
For example, posties won’t be able to leave your parcel if the delivery needs a signature or if leaving it there wouldn’t be safe. In those cases, customers should update their Safeplace preferences if the current option is considered unsuitable.
Safeplace is available on Royal Mail 24 & 48 and Tracked 24 & 48 services, and it’s free to use. Royal Mail confirms: “We can’t leave an item in a Safeplace” if:
- The location is not secure (like a doorstep or recycling bin)
- The item could be damaged by bad weather
- It’s unsafe for us to reach the spot
- The item needs a signature, age, or ID verification
It further explains that just because you leave a Safeplace, it does not guarantee delivery. It explains: “in a very small number of cases, it won’t be possible to follow the customer’s Safeplace instructions.
“Examples of these include: if it would be dangerous for us to access the nominated point; if the item would be exposed to bad weather; or if the nominated point is clearly insecure. As an example, places we wouldn’t consider safe are bins, including recycling bins, doorsteps and underneath parked cars.”
What is an approved Royal Mail ‘Safeplace’?
Royal Mail says your chosen Safeplace should be a secure, weatherproof location on your property that’s out of sight but easy for staff to reach. It also says leaving parcels in recycling bins does not count as a Safeplace.
What do Royal Mail do if they can’t leave my parcel in my Safeplace?
The postal service says it will try to leave your item with a nearby neighbour. If that isn’t possible, it will take the item back to the delivery office and leave a card telling you where it is.
You might also receive an update by email and/or text. If the item has been taken back to the delivery office, you can either book a redelivery or collect it in person.
Are Royal Mail cutting jobs?
Royal Mail says it plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs by the end of next year as part of a shake-up. The company says it’s reacting to fewer letters being delivered and more parcels being sent. The cuts would be about 2% of its 131,000 staff, and posties and drivers are not expected to be affected.
You can read the full story here.