Postboxes...

[Weevil]

This is a silly question...

If a postbox does not have its usual notice on the front showing last collection time - but the slot for posting things is NOT sealed up - this doesn't mean it isn't in use, does it?

I just posted something in one and am now wondering whether I shouldn't have... Wouldn't Royal Mail seal the slot, if it wasn't in use?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

It may be a live post box it might not be its difficult to say without local knowledge. Certainly all disused boxes should be blocked and eventually removed so there is a 99.9% chance everything is okay.

I'd check with a local postie if you know any, or the local Post Office on Monday.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

There are unofficial Post Box location site on the internet but their data may be out of date - Regrettably Royal Mail nor the Post Office do an official Post Box finder - I think they should.

[UnhappyGremlin]

99% of the time it will be fine. It is likely some vandal has ripped it off to impress their mate(s). RM usually seal them up if they are not in service, though there is one in my area not in use, and a customer, who objected to it being removed ripped off the sealing plate and continued to use the box, until their mail stopped going anywhere.
Ring customer services and report it, or visit your local Collection Hub/Delivery Office and speak to them. Alternatively, tell your local Post Office and ask them to inform the collection hub, which they should have a number for, or they could mention it to their collection driver, though the driver who empties the box should have already reported the fact the time plate is missing to their boss already, and a replacement should be on it's way. We are required to display a time plate on all boxes under USO for customer info.

[Weevil]

Thank you both very much for your replies - I'm glad it will hopefully be ok :)

[DGP1]

I collect from a couple of boxes without anything on them, usually if there's a problem the box would be sealed or worse it would have mail sticking out of it (because it isn't being emptied).