In a move that could interest larger mail operators, Jersey Post has launched a new priority collection service for local businesses.

Operating out of Broad Street in the centre of St Helier, Jersey Post will be using a Renault Twizy Cargo vehicle to collect items of mail “on demand” from St Helier based businesses.

“One of the barriers to providing a premium express and courier service is the ability to access customer premises quickly and easily in St Helier. The Twizy is so small and nimble that it can park in the smallest of spaces; this will be a huge help in reaching our customers as quickly as possible when they have time-critical items of mail. It is also electric so further enhances our existing electric fleet and meets our aim of wanting to reduce our impact on the local, and wider, environment,” said Andy Jehan, Director of Operations at Jersey Post.

The addition of the Twizy coincides with the trial of an online despatch tool that is currently being piloted with a range of local businesses. This tool enables clients to log on, select the appropriate service, prepare items for despatch and then print the relevant label. The client then makes a phone call, sends an email or text message to the Jersey Post Premium Services team and the Twizy will be despatched to collect the items.

The trial service will also offer collection and delivery of time-sensitive items, including SameDay on island collections and deliveries.

The Twizy started operating in St Helier yesterday and will be making collections until the end of the year when the service will be reviewed.

Though this is a one van service on a tiny island, it is an on demand service that could be tested at a larger scale for other mail delivery companies.