DCC urges Royal Mail not to scrap delivery bikes

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DEVON County Council's Cabinet is calling for Royal Mail to reconsider its plans to phase out some of its fleet of delivery bicycles.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, expressed concern over the proposals and received cross-party support at the County Council's Cabinet meeting today (Wed 14 April).

The Royal Mail is considering replacing bicycles in Devon with diesel vans and trolleys, but the County Council has agreed to ask them to think again. Councillors also agreed to seek clarification from Royal Mail that none of the local sorting offices will be closed because of the change in policy and that delivery operations will not be run from a smaller number of larger central offices such as Exeter.

Councillor Hughes said that he was alerted to Royal Mail's plans when he was approached by concerned local Posties.

He said: "I understand the reason for scrapping the bicycles that is being given by Royal Mail's Chief Executive Adam Crozier is that they pose the wider safety risk associated with busy street networks, where the rider is exposed to greater risk than other vehicle users. I believe that this is complete poppy cock as on Royal Mail's own website bicycle accidents come in fifth place behind 1, slips,trips and falls, 2, animal attacks, 3, stepping on/striking against something and, 4, lifting and handling.

"Devon is one of the safest, if not the safest county for cycling and we are encouraging more people to take up this healthy environmentally friendly mode of transport, not just for relaxation, but also for getting to and from work and so I do hope that we can persuade Royal Mail to reconsider its proposals. My fear is that this could be the thin edge of the wedge and could lead to the closure of some of our rural sorting offices.