Canada Post says DOT approved new boxes along Route 114 in Hillsborough

A8

by dwayne tingley
times & transcript staff

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Canada Post received approval from the New Brunswick department of transportation and followed all safety rules before it installed four new community mailboxes along the Hillsborough Road (Route 114), a spokeswoman for the Crown corporation said yesterday.

Avril Vollenhoven, Canada Post's communications manager for the Atlantic region, was responding to concerns by a Times & Transcript reader who wondered, in a letter to the editor, if the mailboxes were going to create a dangerous traffic situation.

The writer thought there may not be enough room for motorists to exit their vehicles and pick up their mail.

The community mailboxes have been installed at 1062, opposite 1139 and opposite 2039 civic addresses on Route 114 and on Woodworth Street where it intersects with Route 114.

They are not in service yet, but should be up and running on Oct. 23, the Canada Post spokeswoman said.

Vollenhoven said the company has reviewed rural delivery all across Canada and more than 2,000 safety concerns have been brought up by employees. Labour Canada has ruled on more than 40 of the concerns.

When safety concerns were warranted, the company moved to install community mailboxes, like the new ones on Route 114. However, customers can opt out of using the community mailboxes.

Customers can chose to receive their mail at a neighbour's mailbox, which has been deemed safer, or the company will set up a free post office box.

"The community mailboxes have met all the safety criteria and they are no more than three kilometres from the furthest customer," Vollenhoven said.

"There is also ample parking and lighting to ensure everyone's safety. The department of transportation has approved it and we have the safety of our employees and our customers in mind."