Oakham Debuts New 24/7 Digital Parcel Post Box
Oakham have just received a high-tech upgrade. In a move to modernise one of Britain’s most recognisable symbols, Royal Mail has transformed a traditional red post box in the town center into a "digital post box."
Equipped with a solar-powered cap and a high-tech barcode scanner, this upgrade allows residents to bypass the Post Office counter entirely for small parcels, offering a 24/7 solution for the modern era of online shopping.
As online shopping and returns continue to rise, Royal Mail is repurposing its existing infrastructure to meet changing demands. By retrofitting the iconic red boxes with a larger drop-down hatch and smart technology, the company is making parcel shipping as easy as posting a letter.
The new design features a solar-powered cap, ensuring the internal electronics and scanners remain operational using renewable energy. This allows the hatch to accommodate items up to 44x35x16cm—roughly the size of a standard shoebox.
How the New Digital Post Boxes Work
Shipping a parcel no longer requires waiting in line. The process is now fully integrated with the Royal Mail app:
Buy & Print Postage: Purchase your label online via the Royal Mail website or app and fix it to your parcel.
Locate: Use the "Services Near You" feature in the app to find the digital post box in Oakham.
Scan: Use the app to scan the 2D barcode on your parcel’s label.
Drop: Once scanned, the secure large-capacity hatch opens, allowing you to deposit your pre-paid parcel.
Confirm: You will receive instant digital proof of posting and tracking information directly within the app.
The Oakham installation is part of a major nationwide strategy to expand the Royal Mail network. By integrating digital technology into the physical landscape of UK towns, Royal Mail aims to provide a more flexible and convenient service for small businesses and consumers alike.
As thousands of these boxes are rolled out across the country, the sight of a resident scanning a parcel in the middle of the night may soon become as common as dropping off a letter.
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