Royal Mail customers across the UK who are expecting deliveries before December 25 may want to consider changing their usual delivery options. By opting out of Safeplace, they can avoid the risk of having parcels left outside, where a family member could have a gift spoiled.
Safeplace is included at no extra cost on Tracked 24 & 48 and Royal Mail 24 & 48 services. It allows posties to leave parcels in a designated spot if the recipient is not in, so deliveries can still be completed.
Why opt out before Christmas
In the run-up to Christmas, some people may prefer not to use Safeplace. That could be because they have recently moved and haven't worked out the safest place yet, they are trying to keep presents hidden from children or other family members until they are home, or they simply don't want parcels left outside or on the doorstep.
Royal Mail says that if you would rather your postie didn't leave parcels in a Safeplace, you can opt out via the Royal Mail app. Once done, your postie will use alternative delivery options for your items if you are not at home.
How to opt out without the app
If you are unable to use the Royal Mail app, the company can set an accessibility requirement (but not a Safeplace) on your behalf - just contact them and your postie will select a Safeplace automatically for you when appropriate to do so. You can also contact them with any concerns about not wanting a Safeplace.
If you are not at home to accept delivery, Royal Mail says it may deliver your item to a Safeplace location at the address without a specific instruction from you. In that case, it will only be if our postie deems the location to be within our guidelines.
What counts as a Safeplace
A Safeplace is a secure, weatherproof area of the property that is out of sight and easily accessible. Royal Mail stresses that requests to place parcels in recycling bins are not considered as a Safeplace. Other bins, doorsteps and underneath parked cars are areas it would not consider safe to leave a parcel.
If you are a vulnerable customer and your postie knows this, Royal Mail says they will always try to take this into account when choosing a Safeplace for your item and position it in an easily accessible location for you.
Royal Mail cannot leave an item in a Safeplace if: the item needs a signature, age, or ID verification; the location is not secure (like a doorstep or recycling bin); the item could be damaged by bad weather; or it's unsafe for Royal Mail to reach the spot. If you need extra support, Royal Mail says it is committed to helping customers, including anyone with accessibility needs - they can help arrange a safe place, how to opt out, or allow more time to answer the door if you have a disability.
