Royal Mail has unveiled a new “postbox of the future” featuring solar-powered barcode scanners and drop-down drawers for parcels that are too large for the traditional slot. The classic mail slot will remain in place for letters, while the drawer accommodates larger items, marking the biggest change to postboxes in 175 years.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said:
“Our new postboxes of the future offer another convenient way for customers in Norfolk, Lowestoft and elsewhere to access Royal Mail’s services, alongside home delivery, collection points, Post Office branches, lockers, and Royal Mail shop outlets.”
It is not yet clear when the rollout will be completed, or whether all affected postboxes will be back in action before Christmas.
Biggest Change in 175 Years
The first red postboxes appeared in mainland Britain in 1853. In 1859, a standardisation change temporarily painted them green, leading to complaints about visibility. A return to the iconic red was finalised in 1874, taking 10 years to complete. The new smart features represent the most significant update since those early colour changes.
