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Electric mobile Post Office for Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire

Harry October 29, 2024

Villagers in the east may soon be able to spot the Post Office’s newest ‘mobile branch’

Post Office A red Post Office van. — Villagers in the east may soon be able to spot the Post Office’s newest ‘mobile branch’

The electric minibus, which the Post Office describes as a “mobile branch”, hit the roads in the east of England.

The vehicle, which is hoped to reach 17 rural communities in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex, is equipped with solar panels, lights and heating to power the computer system.

It will be operated by Finchingfield Post Office in Essex and will replace the diesel vehicle.

Postman Alex Robinson said: “Now that we’ve tested the vehicle, our initial range anxiety has subsided and our confidence has increased.”

Only the second electric van the post office has introduced can travel about 100 miles (161 km).

Ms Robinson, who runs the Finchingfield branch with Jane Welsh, said they knew all the back roads leading to the villages the van would travel to.

He added: “We have ample range for all the places we visit, even in the dead of winter or with unexpected traffic.”

Stepping into the back of the minibus is a bit like being in a Post Office branch

Post Office Mobile is the back of the post office van. The rear doors of the minibus open to reveal a red, Post Office-branded toll booth. There is a staff member serving the customer at the cash register. — Stepping into the back of the minibus is a bit like being in a Post Office branch

A Post Office spokesman said electric mobile offices were more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run than diesel vehicles.

They said the mobile branch is also dog friendly.

They added: “Many of the communities that the Finchingfield Mobile Post Office searches have a large number of dog owners and they also take their pets to visit the Post Office.”

The first electric mobile Post Office was introduced in Pembrokeshire in Wales during the summer.