NewsWeird NewsRoyal Mail Ltd.Those grey Royal Mail bag drop boxes dotted around UK towns and villages have left many people puzzled – here's what they're actually for10:57, 25 Jul 2026We all walk past the same streets, lamp posts, the same bits of street furniture day after day without ever stopping to wonder what they are actually for. But every so often, something catches your eye – or in this case, the eye of a curious child – and suddenly you need answers.‌That is exactly what happened to one father whose eight-year-old son spotted a grey box bearing Royal Mail branding during their morning stroll. After inspecting it closely, the pair were left baffled – the box had no visible openings or slots, just a keyhole, and was nowhere near any post boxes.‌With answers to virtually any query now available at our fingertips thanks to modern technology, the father turned to the R/RoyalMail Reddit community seeking clarification.‌The dad said: "What is this thing for? Spotted on morning stroll with my son.... we came across this thing, fairly rural and residential area. My 8-year-old examined it thoroughly, no openings or slots."Only a key hole and not near any post boxes. Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance."‌What are the grey Royal Mail boxes and why do they exist?It didn't take long before users responded to clarify that the boxes were formerly used by postal workers for surplus letters that wouldn't fit into their bags.The boxes would be positioned roughly midway along the worker's route, allowing them to use a key to access the box and carry on with their deliveries.One person said: "This is a Royal Mail pouch box (or drop box), designed to store extra bags of mail for postal workers on foot or bicycle.Article continues below"It allowed postal workers to replenish their mail supplies mid-route rather than carrying everything from the delivery office. While many are now obsolete due to increased van usage, some remain active in specific areas."A second said: "Haven't seen these used for years. But have one opposite our house. A RM Van used to turn up and put several bags of mail in it."Later on a postie on foot would collect the post and deliver it to the streets in the surrounding area. Now the postie just rocks up in a van and delivers the handful of letters he has for the street."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Royal Mail Ltd.Umm what?Parenting