How does the UK postcode system work?

How does the UK postcode system work?

It consists of one or two letters, followed by one digit, two digits, or one digit and one letter. This is followed by a space and then the Incode which indicates the postcode sector and delivery point (usually a group of around 15 addresses).

What is the purpose of postal code?

A postal code (also known locally in various English-speaking countries throughout the world as a postcode, post code, PIN or ZIP Code) is a series of letters or digits or both, sometimes including spaces or punctuation, included in a postal address for the purpose of sorting mail.

What information does a postcode provide?

Elements of a Postcode This identifies the particular sector in the town or district to which the letter has been delivered and a thoroughfare, part of a thoroughfare or an individual address within that sector. The maximum number of delivery points covered by one postcode is 100 and the average is 15.

Who is responsible for UK postcodes?

The Royal Mail
The Royal Mail is responsible for the allocation of postcodes to postal addresses, although we will request a postcode on your behalf.

How do London postcodes work?

Basically, the current system (introduced during WWI) identifies a ‘central’ district, historically housing the main sorting office and ending with a ‘1’: W1, N1, SE1 and so on. From then on, numbering follows alphabetical order according to the district names: E5 is Clapton, E6 is East Ham, E7 is Forest Gate, etc.

How do postcodes get allocated?

The country is split into areas, each with a two-letter code based on the name of a major town in the area. These are sub-divided into postal districts, usually centred around the head post office of the area, which completes the first half of the code.

Why do we need different postal codes for different cities?

Brief history The need for such a system was realised due to the confusion resulting from the duplication of names of various places across the country, the use of multiple languages to write addresses, and different ways in which the name of a place could be spelt.

How do postcodes work in London?

Central London areas are divided into what are known as LONDON POSTCODES. Each small section of London is allocated a 1-3 letter prefix that corresponds to its compass location and then a following number and 2 letters to distinguish it from adjoining streets within that area.

Who invented the postcode?

The first steps towards the modern day postcode were taken in 1857 when Sir Rowland Hill, inventor of the postage stamp, introduced a scheme to accelerate mail delivery. This divided the capital into 10 separate postal districts – N, S, E, W, NE, NW, SE, SW, EC and WC.

What postcodes are outside the London postal area?

Since the local government reorganisation of London in the 1960s, parts of Greater London lie outside the London postal area. These include large parts of the “TW”, “KT”, “SM”, “CR”, “HA”, and “UB” postcode areas, among a few others.

How does Royal Mail use postcodes to identify delivery areas?

Royal Mail maintains a UK-wide system of postcodes to identify postal delivery areas. Most people know their postcode, so we are able to use this as the main geographic reference when collecting data. This reference can be related to any geographic unit used for statistical production, such as a local authority district or electoral ward.

How do I Find my postcode in the UK?

Get a full postcode in the UK by clicking on the interactive map or found your outward post code by selecting the city on our list above. Also available, address search for postcodes. Just enter your address into the search bar to locate the postal code you need for your mail.

What are the characteristics of a postcode?

The postcodes are alphanumeric, and are variable in length: ranging from six to eight characters (including a space). Each postcode is divided into two parts separated by a single space: the outward code and the inward code respectively. The outward code includes the postcode area and the postcode district, respectively.