It's a common sight on collection day: wheelie bins lined up along the kerb, waiting to be emptied.

But did you know this seemingly innocent act could be the bane of your local postie's existence?

Many make this simple mistake without a second thought, yet it's causing frustration and delays for postal workers across the country.

The issue came to light when a Gosford postal worker took to social media to vent his frustration.

Accompanied by a photo showing three bins obstructing access to a mailbox, he expressed his annoyance at having to navigate around the bins to deliver mail.

‘I have no words,’ the postie wrote.

The mailbox slot itself wasn't blocked, but the placement of the bins meant the postie had to reach over them, which was inconvenient and time-consuming.

An annoyed Gosford postie criticised Australians for leaving wheelie bins in front of mailboxes, obstructing mail delivery. Credit: Facebook

This postie's complaint struck a chord with many of his colleagues, who chimed in with their own experiences.

‘I [have] put mail under the windscreen wiper of the car in the way as a bit of a “hey don't park your car in front of the letterbox” protest,’ one shared.

‘I had a customer do this for the whole week,’ another reported.

Then someone else joked that those who do this ‘clearly don't want their mail’ or are fine with having their parcel delivery delayed for a few days.

However, not everyone saw it as a significant problem.

A few other postal workers criticised him for being a ‘sook’, pointing out that the mailbox in question was still technically accessible.

‘Just hold their mail until it's safe to deliver,’ one commenter said.

‘Turn and deliver on the way out,’ another suggested.

Despite the mixed reactions, Australia Post has weighed in on the matter.

‘Australia Post reminds residents to ensure letterboxes are within easy and unobstructed reach so posties can deliver letters safely and efficiently for the whole community,’ a spokesperson stated.

‘The safety of our team members is our highest priority and objects such as bins can provide a hazard for Posties.’

While the recent frustration over blocked mailboxes highlights a growing concern among postal workers, another pressing issue has emerged in the realm of home deliveries.

As we navigate these challenges, it’s crucial to address the increasing danger posties face due to a rise in dog attacks.

Understanding the full spectrum of risks postal workers encounter can help foster a safer environment for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways

• An annoyed postie in Gosford called out Australians for leaving their wheelie bins in front of mailboxes, which can obstruct mail delivery.
• Other postal workers shared their frustrations and echoed the sentiment that this act is irritating and can slow down their delivery rounds.
• While some people agreed with the postie's annoyance, others commented that it was not a significant issue and suggested workarounds.
• Australia Post commented on the issue, reminding residents to ensure that mailboxes are unobstructed for the safe and efficient delivery of letters and stating that the safety of their team members is a top priority.

Have you ever had a delivery mishap due to an obstructed mailbox? How did you address it? Share your stories and tips in the comments below, and let's help keep the path clear for our dedicated postal workers!

 

[Dennis]

My reply is not about the postie but Mondays is a no no to get anywhere on my mobility scooter, not allowed to use a road if footpath available, many empty bins not taking in is the biggest problem.

 

[June E]

I don’t get this story our bins go on the curb, that being on the grass alongside the road. Between the curb, grass , pavement, more grass being our property is the mailbox the mailman rides slowly down the pavement and delivers the mail with no problem. Bins on the road are a damn nuisance as the road is already full of parked cars ! I do realise not everyone has this set up but I would have thought the majority of people would.

 

[GillyH]

I don’t get this story our bins go on the curb, that being on the grass alongside the road. Between the curb, grass , pavement, more grass being our property is the mailbox the mailman rides slowly down the pavement and delivers the mail with no problem. Bins on the road are a damn nuisance as the road is already full of parked cars ! I do realise not everyone has this set up but I would have thought the majority of people would.

I live in a cul de sac, no pavement, tuesday mornings are a nightmare. Especially when the units across the road park wherever they like. It a tight turning circle for the rubbish truck

 

[DerekKMartin]

As an ex postie I remember people who plant a new lawn, put string around it and stick their letter box right in the middle. How am I supposed to deliver, I don't use a helicopter?

 

[Rob44]

As an ex postie I remember people who plant a new lawn, put string around it and stick their letter box right in the middle. How am I supposed to deliver, I don't use a helicopter?

Once upon a time in the UK the postie used to walk to do his round, carrying his bag of letters. Problem solved, Australia. It would be nice if letters in Australia posted in the same city got to one's mail-box next day. It can be done.

As for such impediments as a bestringed new lawn around a mail-box; the mail must go through!

 

[DerekKMartin]

Once upon a time in the UK the postie used to walk to do his round, carrying his bag of letters. Problem solved, Australia. It would be nice if letters in Australia posted in the same city got to one's mail-box next day. It can be done.

As for such impediments as a bestringed new lawn around a mail-box; the mail must go through!

My dad was a postie in the UK and that's how he did it. Here in Australia most doors are a long way from the road, it would take much longer to deliver.

 

[Rob44]

Indeed; put the mail-box at a front corner of your driveway and let the house-holder walk down the driveway; and of course employ more posties with shorter rounds to cover. Oh, it would cost more money. Sorry for being daft.......

 

[DerekKMartin]

Indeed; put the mail-box at a front corner of your driveway and let the house-holder walk down the driveway; and of course employ more posties with shorter rounds to cover. Oh, it would cost more money. Sorry for being daft.......

The cost of postage would have to go up as a result

 

[Rob44]

The cost of postage would have to go up as a result

Of course. Do we complain about the cost of a bottle of beer? I suppose we do, but we still drink the stuff. Okay; cross-subsidise the delivery of letters from Australia Post's profitable parcels service and maybe stop using the scammable convenience of receiving and paying bills via the internet. Bit drastic, I suppose.

 

[Jest]

the poor darling.

 

[Barbara V]

Not guilty ,I have PO Box

 

[wendell]

I don’t get this story our bins go on the curb, that being on the grass alongside the road. Between the curb, grass , pavement, more grass being our property is the mailbox the mailman rides slowly down the pavement and delivers the mail with no problem. Bins on the road are a damn nuisance as the road is already full of parked cars ! I do realise not everyone has this set up but I would have thought the majority of people would.

Yes thinking exactly the same would the letterbox be near the curb
, don’t get it

 

[Clancieblue]

Judging by that driveway and bin positioning I'd say that's where they are kept all week.

 

[midgemills]

I live in a cul de sac, no pavement, tuesday mornings are a nightmare. Especially when the units across the road park wherever they like. It a tight turning circle for the rubbish truck

I hate to think how posties manage in some of the new estates with their narrow roads. It would also be a nightmare for the garbage truck drivers.

 

[Rob44]

My dad was a postie in the UK and that's how he did it. Here in Australia most doors are a long way from the road, it would take much longer to deliver.

Here's a thought. Most Pomgolian houses have letter-boxes at about chest height in their front door. Some are near floor level, which is a curse for the postman. A great many Aussie houses don't have letter-box openings cut in their front doors. Do the Australian manufacturers of doors still make front doors with letter-box openings? If so how high are they compared with a bloke sitting on a postie-bike?

 

[Ebby]

My dad was a postie in the UK and that's how he did it. Here in Australia most doors are a long way from the road, it would take much longer to deliver.

We had post delivered through the letterbox twice a day in W.Yorkshire
l tried being a postie in St Ives in Sydney but what a disaster that was.What with sorting out the mail before you even deliver it then the bag was so heavy so much was taken out and the bag dropped off in the street and got back to each time.Then there was the heat and vicious dogs barking and attacking you. l say postmen need a meddle .l gave it up after the second day after l dropped loads of mail in the street lucky for me another postie passing by sorted it all out for me again. Just the wrong job for me l was just a Frank Spencer LOL

 

[Keswickian]

Once upon a time in the UK the postie used to walk to do his round, carrying his bag of letters. Problem solved, Australia. It would be nice if letters in Australia posted in the same city got to one's mail-box next day. It can be done.

As for such impediments as a bestringed new lawn around a mail-box; the mail must go through!

I've walked with the Christmas post in the UK a number of times. Most letter boxes are in the front door, not out by the pavement so we had to walk up almost every driveway. That's just the way it was and nobody complained.
Access to the letter box is a different matter and a legitimate complaint. People need to think about where they put their bin, park their car or string their lawn.

 

[Wandiwa]

That issue is about to get worse, with some councils considering a 4th bin.

 

[Rijan]

Bins need to be put separately with plenty of space between them. How else can the bin collector handle them. Our council has strict guidelines for this. As for putting them in front of the post box - words fail me !!!