THE traditional sight of posties on their bikes may soon be a thing of the past in York as Royal Mail switches to making deliveries with trolleys.

The company says it needs to modernise and adapt to changes, which mean it is now delivering fewer letters but more parcels.

A spokeswoman said it was investing in new equipment to carry larger items to customers even more securely, while also reducing the risk of injury to postmen and women caused by carrying heavier mail bags.

She said that phased changes over the coming year would lead to many postmen and women delivering mail from large, three-wheeled trolleys, rather than on their bikes.

Some would push or pull their trolleys to their rounds from the delivery centre in Leeman Road, while others would go out in pairs in vans, park up and then take their trolleys round in a loop before returning to their van.

The spokeswoman said the changes would not lead to major changes in the time mail was delivered. “The time customers receive mail will depend on where they live on the new delivery route,” she said. “This may be later or possibly earlier than current delivery times.”

She said when mail volumes varied, Royal Mail might need to adjust delivery arrangements and times. “These changes will require a period of adjustment for staff.

“However, Royal Mail will be doing everything possible to maintain a high level of service and thanks customers for their understanding.”

She said the fall in the number of letters posted and the increase in parcels were both related to increasing use of the internet, with people sometimes using email instead of letters, but ordering more items for delivery online.

Dave Foster, Royal Mail’s collections and delivery sector manager, said: “The changes to delivery routes will mean that a member of our local and experienced team will still be delivering to our customers in York.”

Paul Clays, spokesman for the Communication Workers’ Union (CWU), said the union had been consulted about the changes, which he hoped would improve deliveries and reduce the risk of injury for staff from carrying heavy loads.