MPs are pushing for a ban on low-level letterboxes – saying using them causes back injuries.
A motion tabled by Labour’s Mike Amesbury – and signed by 16 other politicians – insists the height should be ‘standardised’.
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) has been campaigning for tougher rules, arguing that posties are put at risk of dog attacks.
But letterboxes are also close to the hearts of MPs, who spend large amounts of time distributing literature and canvassing voters.
The Early Day Motion tabled by Mr Amesbury stated that ‘low level letterboxes cause back injuries to postmen and women each year, force postal staff to stoop to ground level whilst carrying mail items and thus can cause back strain’.
MPs are pushing for a ban on low-level letterboxes – saying using them causes back injuries
A motion tabled by Labour’s Mike Amesbury – and signed by 16 other politicians – insists the height should be ‘standardised’
It suggested there should be a ‘standardised letter box height and safe design well above ground level’.
The text also highlighted that the EU has a standard requirement is for letterboxes.
Royal Mail is said to have lost 154,000 days to back pain in 2022, costing around £16million.
Alongside Mr Amesbury, Labour MPs Dawn Butler, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Mary Kelly Foy, Jon Trickett, and Chris Webb are among those signing the motion.
Lib Dems Anna Sabine and Helen Maguire are also on the list, as well as the SNP’s Chris Law and DUP MP Jim Shannon.
EDMs rarely become law, but are often used by politicians to gather momentum behind issues.
The Scottish Government said over the summer that it is considering new building standards rules which would outlaw letterboxes at the bottom of a door.
The rules would initially apply to new buildings but could be extended to cover replacement doors in existing homes.