People are stunned to learn just how deep Royal Mail postboxes go into the ground.
Of course, it's common knowledge that the classic pillar-shaped postboxes are made out of a sturdy cast iron, making them pretty indestructible.
But what many people aren't aware of is how far they go into the ground.
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Well, as shown via an image on Reddit, the big red postboxes are built in pretty deep.
The viral post was captioned: "TIL (today I learned) these bad boys went THIS deep in the ground."
One user quipped: "Have you ever seen what happens when a car hits one? The car never wins."
A second added: "Cast iron postboxes are hard AF. Only thing that can beat them is rust, so as long as they keep getting painted they will last a long time."
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While a third joked: "I'm not surprised. Otherwise, you'll have some w***ers try to walk off with it."
A fourth said: "Probably didn't do to start with but they prob got tired of people knocking them over in various ways."
Another added: "Wow. To this day, I always thought it was just drilled into the floor with big screws."
Attempting to make posting easier, earlier this year Royal Mail introduced new barcoded stamps to all of their regular ‘everyday’ Definitive and Christmas stamps.
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Customers will be able to scan the barcodes via the Royal Mail app.
The trial that took place in March 2021 was deemed a success, as the new stamps went on sale on 1 February.
The old stamps will be phased out by 31 January 2023.
If post is sent with the old stamps after this date, it will be treated in the same way as other items that have insufficient postage and the recipient will have to pay a fee to collect it.
Royal Mail said on its website: “Non-barcoded stamps will remain usable until January 31, 2023. Either use up non-barcoded stamps you have or swap them using our scheme.
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“Details of the swap scheme will be announced in due course.”
Nick Landon, Royal Mail Chief Commercial Officer, added: “Introducing unique barcodes on our postage stamps allows us to connect the physical letter with the digital world and opens up the possibilities for a range of new innovative services in future.”
However, not everyone is happy with the development.
Malcolm Booth, CEO of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, said the change would ‘make life most difficult for the elderly and vulnerable – the very people who use stamps the most’.
He said: “Stopping people using normal stamps and making them pay to receive post will cause disruption.
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“Many people have a stash of stamps at home. How many will not get the message about the changeover?”
Anish Vij