In the good old days, when the Post Office had the monopoly for delivering parcels, there was an efficiency that is now challenged by the abundance of different courier services.
Instead of one vehicle coming down your street, you may see many .. all covering the same routes and in most cases delivering small items. Large vehicles delivering items as small as a mobile phone accessory.
Also, many deliveries fail because the recipient is not at home. The UK average cost of failed deliveries per retailer is almost £200,000 per annum!
We have reached the point where it could be considered selfish to expect this level of convenience because of non-essential CO2 emissions, but only if there were alternatives. Some alternatives already exist in the form of shops or even lockers, but if you have to drive to access them, there is very little CO2 emission gain. Ten couriers may deliver parcels to one location, but ten customers will then drive to collect them.
I am introducing the concept of Parcel Clubs, where residents can collect parcels, for themselves and possibly their neighbours, from a location that is just a short walk away, and as a starting point I think pubs are ideal.
According to Google there are over 75 pubs in Tunbridge Wells alone.
I have approached three publicans to see if they would be prepared to receive parcels on behalf of local residents, and they have all readily agreed. They see the benefits of providing a service to the community that can increase their footfall and their profile, plus, though their own associated WhatsApp group, they can reach out to users and promote events and deals.
Now here is where it gets really exciting ...
What if customers of pubs who commute out of London, could also act as couriers? The potential exists for parcels to be delivered to Tunbridge Wells within hours of placing orders from appropriate retailers, totally emission free.