LOW LEVEL LETTER BOXES

Early day motion 381, tabled 21 June 2005 by David Hamilton (Labour). Signed by 97 members.

That this House supports the campaign by the Communication Workers Union calling for Government action on the problem of low level letter boxes; notes that there are around 3,000 back injuries to postmen and women each year in Royal Mail and that delivering to low level letter boxes at the base of a house front door forces postal staff to stoop to ground level whilst carrying a satchel of mail weighing up to 16kg (35lbs) and causes a serious risk of back strain; considers that the Government should implement the specifications set out in current European Standard (EN 13724) covering private letter boxes, which for ergonomic and safety reasons specifies the height, positioning and design of letter boxes in order that the safe delivery of mail can be made without the risk of injury; and further notes that the standard sets down that the centreline of the letter box aperture should be at a height between 700 mm (2ft 3.5inches) and 1700 mm (5ft 7inches).

Signatures by party: Labour 78, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 3, DUP 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.