[Talk-GB] Royal Mail post-box finder - error in results

[Dan Glover]

On 2021-08-16 15:45, John Murrell wrote:

> If it is a 'private box' cleared by museum staff it is strange it was
> a standard Royal Mail Identity Plate & Box Number ? I assumed the
> postman has a gate key to allow them in to empty it.

It's more likely to be handled as a "firms collection" as I understand 
it.

Near me there's a care home complex with a "non-standard" post box 
outside one of the buildings. It's painted red and carries an old RM 
collection plate and was included in the RM 2013 data. It's not in the 
current "Near You" data. Almost certainly it is still cleared, directly 
or indirectly. It is possible to go through the gate and use it, though 
perhaps those responsible might not wish to encourage this practice.

> I don't think there is a collection from the other boxes as they have
> no plates on them though the slits are not sealed ! I have never tried
> or asked if they are emptied. One of the exhibits is a rare combined
> phone box, post box & stamp machine.

I have a contact at Amberley who may be able to confirm what happens to 
any items deposited in the other boxes there.

The "K4" kiosk is an interesting thing and there are a handful still in 
public use. Possibly should be tagged as both telephone and post_box, 
assuming there is still a working telephone.

> Is there an OSM policy on tagging things in open air museums ? Most of
> the buildings are tagged but should one go to the level of outside
> exhibits ?

Very good question. One drawback to "micro tagging" in such situations 
is the likelihood the museum will re-arrange things as soon as the 
features are mapped!

> I modified the description of the Amberley Fire Station in the museum
> to try to clarify it is a museum exhibit not an operational fire
> station. It may be Ok adding tags to items to show they are not
> operational but a lot of people will not consult the tags before
> rushing to the fire station to report a fire !

Perhaps disused_amenity - which will be rendered differently from an 
operational station. Not "tagging for the renderer" but "tagging the 
reality".

Many fire stations near here are unmanned (but there should be a 
telephone to summon assistance) I think the days of the "running call" 
are more-or-less over though.


Dan