Postal Gun Ban Would Cost Jobs

[pinstripe]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-s ... s-19425825" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Plans by Royal Mail to ban the posting of guns and component parts from its services would lead to rural businesses closing, gamekeepers have claimed.

Royal Mail has launched a consultation proposing a ban on the transport of all firearms, including sporting guns.

It said it was acting to ensure its terms and conditions were consistent with existing firearms legislation.

But the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) argued the move would directly lead to rural job losses.

SGA said it meant gunsmiths would not be able to post spare parts to customers in remote areas.

It called on its 5,300 members to register their concerns by the consultation closing date of 17 September.
'Widespread concern'

SGA claimed Royal Mail's move had led to "widespread concern" among those who supported sporting shooting in Scotland.

It also said the transportation of firearms and components had been managed safely for years, with no recorded evidence of guns or parts falling into the wrong hands.
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At a time when there are major concerns already over fuel costs in rural areas, this is another nail in the coffin for honest people trying to do their jobs in the countryside”

Alex Hogg Scottish Gamekeepers Association

SGA chairman Alex Hogg said: "Should this come to pass, it will have a direct impact on people's livelihoods.

"The gunshops will not be able to post parts to customers, so that trade will be cut off.

"Other carriers charge much higher prices so the costs will make it prohibitive for legitimate stockists and their clients to do business remotely. The only alternative would be for people to get in their cars and travel hundreds of miles to pick up parts."

He added: "At a time when there are major concerns already over fuel costs in rural areas, this is another nail in the coffin for honest people trying to do their jobs in the countryside.

"We are hopeful Royal Mail see sense because people trust the service. If it is lost, it may also have an adverse effect on their business and reputation."

A previous attempt by Royal Mail to ban all firearms in the mail failed in 2005 when regulator Postcomm rejected the proposal.
Dangerous goods

In launching its latest consultation, Royal Mail said: "Following an internal review of policy related to the carriage of dangerous goods we have become increasingly concerned that we are operating in a way that is inconsistent with firearms legislation when we carry guns for sporting use.

"Weapons of war are prohibited from our postal network but currently we do carry guns for sporting use as restricted items.

"Therefore we are proposing to amend the wording of the (postal) schemes to enable us to comply with relevant firearms legislation."

Royal Mail added that it expected the impact on customers to be "minimal", pointing out that Parcelforce Worldwide would continue to offer a service for registered firearms dealers.

[pinstripe]

This part caught my interest,
""Other carriers charge much higher prices so the costs will make it prohibitive for legitimate stockists and their clients to do business remotely. The only alternative would be for people to get in their cars and travel hundreds of miles to pick up parts.""

1. That's competition for you.
2. Driving hundreds of miles (and the associated costs involved) or paying a courier extra?

[stokes11eg]

We should not be handling these!

[clashcityrocker]

We could be shooting ourselves in the foot.

[fishtank]

Don't give them any more ammunition Clash.

[DGP1]

This part caught my interest,
""Other carriers charge much higher prices so the costs will make it prohibitive for legitimate stockists and their clients to do business remotely. The only alternative would be for people to get in their cars and travel hundreds of miles to pick up parts.""

1. That's competition for you.
2. Driving hundreds of miles (and the associated costs involved) or paying a courier extra?

Strange that these people would be the first to bleat on about competition and then complain that they are being unfairly treated by the competition

[capitalbiker]

As one of 'those people' I can only view this decision as political correctness , weapons of war indeed!

[fishtank]

As one of 'those people' I can only view this decision as political correctness , weapons of war indeed!

Isn't that what guns were invented for?
It's nothing to do with political correctness or even 'elf&Safety gone mad.
It's just that we can't ensure compliance with the law without charging a shitload of money....which would be pointless because then we would be in direct competition with PFW or....ourselves and that wouldn't be very smart would it?

[scoobydo79]

Unbelievable!!!!! While Royal Mail is at it they may as well ban carrying kitchen knives,tools electrical goods in case of electrocution,parts for motor cars because some one is killed by one of these every day, cigarettes, alcohol, medicines.... Im not going on I cant be bothered.Why are they even thinking about loosing them selves money and buggering up their customers

[Lounge Lizard]

Unbelievable!!!!! While Royal Mail is at it they may as well ban carrying kitchen knives,tools electrical goods in case of electrocution,parts for motor cars because some one is killed by one of these every day, cigarettes, alcohol, medicines.... Im not going on I cant be bothered.Why are they even thinking about loosing them selves money and buggering up their customers

They're not serious considering "buggering up their customers"
You may feel strongly about this issue but there's no need to be alarmist.

[scoobydo79]

No? Past experience tells Me when a company are considering doing something they have already decided to do it. Usually for no one elses good but their own!!!!!!