Avoid Royal Mail post delays by following envelope address writing 'rule'

Avoid Royal Mail post delays by following envelope address writing 'rule' Royal Mail shared the exact format to use online Royal Mail says that envelopes should be addressed in a particular manner to boost the chances they will pass smoothly through its delivery system. Failing to follow this guidance could mean cards or letters take longer to reach their intended destination. When writing an address on an envelope, Royal Mail advises sticking to a specific 'rule' to guarantee the swiftest delivery. On its 'top tips' webpage, which provides online guidance for customers, Royal Mail says: "Write the name of the town in capital letters. You don't need to include a county name, as your letters and parcels will still reach the right place." It adds: "It's important that the address shows up against the colour of your envelope. (Tip - stick on a white label with black ink.)" The postal service processes millions of letters and envelopes daily, and this operation runs more quickly and efficiently when people use clear block capitals for the town or city and postcode. The technology doesn't usually scan the recipient's name and street, concentrating instead on the town and postcode when sorting mail. Since the postcode handles 99% of the routing, the automated machinery only needs to read the final two lines (the postcode and the town) to sort the letter and dispatch it to the appropriate local delivery office, reports the Express. What happens to an address not written in capitals? It's easy to overlook details when you're rushed or dealing with multiple post items at once. Fortunately, provided the postcode is accurate, not using capital letters won't result in the letter being rejected. However, it may result in a brief delay in getting the letter or card to its destination. If the computer finds your 'normal' handwriting difficult to decipher, the item will be diverted for manual sorting. Any delay depends largely on current staffing levels and service demand. During busy times, such as Christmas, manual sorting of backlogs could take several days to work through. How Royal Mail says envelopes should be written. Royal Mail requests that anyone posting letters or cards must "write the address clearly on the front following [their] guidelines". - The name and address go in the bottom-left corner of the front of the envelope or parcel - Use clear and easy-to-read handwriting (or font if you are printing the address) - Use a pen or ink that is clear against the colour of the envelope or parcel - Left-align the text (no centred or 'stepped' lines) - No commas or full stops - Leave a generous margin around the address - Place the correct postage on the top right The Royal Mail also advises: "To protect your privacy and the recipient's, don't put phone numbers or email addresses on the outside of your item."