A new method of mail delivery could soon be coming to Nelson letterboxes.
NZ Post wants to trial Paxters in the region, an eco-friendly electric delivery vehicle which will enable posties to combine the delivery of parcels and mail in residential areas.
The trial is still subject to final approval from Nelson City Council. Last Thursday, the community services committee recommended a two-year trial be approved at the next full council meeting on 20 September.
Capable of speeds of up to 45km per hour, the Norwegian made Paxster runs exclusively off an electric battery. They can carry loads of up to 200kg but are still small enough to be used on the footpath.
They have already been successfully trialled in Taranaki, Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton.
If approved in Nelson, they will be operated on selected roads for 24 months.
Margaret Parfitt, manager roading and utilities told council that there would be no direct costs involved for council.
“Monitoring of the operation would require some staff time, but it is all within the existing operational budget.”
Deputy mayor Paul Matheson said he has seen first-hand how well they work.
“I’m very happy to approve their use. I saw these operating in Lower Hutt and I had the opportunity to go and talk to one of the drivers. I was very impressed with the way he handled the traffic, the people and the vehicle itself.”
NZ Post say Paxters will give them extra capacity to meet the growing demand created by online shopping, increase efficiency and enable new services.
Subject to the trial being approved, council staff will be aiming to meet with NZ Post in upcoming weeks to the finalise the draft agreement, exclusion zones and starting date.
