Letter boxes in remote areas - March 10, 2012
Letter boxes are typically mounted on or near the front door of a property, or are slits in the door into which the postman can put the letters. For those living in remote areas this may not be an option as gates may be locked while you are out at work and the postman may not be able to get to the front door. In these circumstances, letter boxes may be mounted on gates or in the walls of gate posts. Letter boxes can even be built into walls. It will make it easier for the postman if he does not have to drive up long tracks and driveways to deliver your letters.
With properties in rural areas, security of your mail is a concern as letter boxes located away from the property are vulnerable. Mail can be stolen or letter boxes vandalised. If you are concerned about this, you can fit anti arson letter boxes which have in-built systems to put out a fire so that it cannot spread to other areas. All mail boxes should have a key, and additional protection can be provided by the addition of a CCTV installation. If you are concerned about security, then you may have a CCTV surveillance system in any case, and an additional camera to monitor who comes to the gate and takes an interest in your letter box will cost very little.
Fitting a letter box to your gate or wall is easy. There are several styles available and materials can vary from stainless steel to cast iron in a range of colours. Large capacity letter box specifically for mounting on gates or railings are available and most are sold with all the fitments you will need. They are rear retrieval, have fire extinguishers and locks for maximum security. Cast aluminium letter boxes are very stylish and add a bit of class to your front gate or railings. Letter boxes built into the wall can have mail shutes to take the contents away from the mail slot. These are also available with built in fire extinguishers and are available in a variety of colours.
Some householders in remote areas do not use a letter box at all, but the postman just opens the porch door and throws the mail in. This is fine where there is a further interior door which is locked, but in low crime areas, it is still not unusual to leave doors unlocked. It is much better to have a letter box to receive your mail. Letter boxes make sure that your letters stay together and prevent them from being damaged. An internal mail cage on the back of the letter box can catch the mail so it does not fall to the floor.
If you live in a remote area where the letter box is not easily accessible, some thought should be given to installing a letter box on the gate or railings or in the wall. It will make life easier for the postman delivering your letters.
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