Postal service gaps and lack of awareness: residents in Smiltene and Valka regions demand more parcel lockers and information

In the parishes of Smiltene and Valka municipalities, the closure of Latvia Post's in-person service points has created inconvenience. While the company offers alternatives such as parcel lockers and the 'Postman at Home' service, residents report a lack of information about these options.

For instance, Inita Zaharčuka, a teacher from Palsmane parish, says she must travel to Smiltene to send registered letters because she did not know that a postman could come to her home. Vita Blate, a resident of Mēri village in Bilskas parish, only learned about this service from journalists. 'It would be good if Mēri had a post office at least one day a week,' she adds.

Vita Bērziņa, head of the Vijciems community centre, notes that after the post office closed, no information about 'Postman at Home' was distributed – residents had to find the postwoman's number themselves. Her mother, who receives her pension, doesn't know that the postwoman can sell stamps and envelopes.

In Variņi parish, there is neither a post office nor a parcel locker. The nearest locker is eight kilometres away in Palsmane. Madara Kušnere, head of the local library, says residents cooperate by helping each other, but the demand for a locker is high. The municipality approached 'Omniva', 'DPD', and 'Venipak' but was refused, as Variņi is considered too close to Palsmane.

Latvia Post emphasizes that it has the largest parcel locker network in the country – 440 lockers, 36 of which are in areas where it is the sole provider. Demand for lockers in Smiltene municipality increased by 185% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous period. The 'Postman at Home' service can be ordered by calling 27008001 and is free of charge outside regional centres. However, many residents still do not use it due to lack of awareness.