Postal codes in Trinidad and Tobago
The government has approved the introduction of postal codes in Trinidad and Tobago starting in 2012.
The postal code will be a six-digit number, with the first two digits indicating one of 72 postal districts (64 in Trinidad, eight in Tobago). Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation officially launched the system March 28, 2012, promising that residents and businesses would receive a postcard informing them of their new postal code "before the end of the year".[1]
TTPost developed the postal code system in part because it is more efficient to sort mail using automated sorting machines, and in part because many areas in Trinidad and Tobago use vague or imprecise descriptive addresses based on "word of mouth and the use of landmarks".[2]
The system was first announced in May 2011. At that time, TTPost said it also hoped develop a universal standard for addressing. [3]
According to Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, an envelope using the postcode may be properly addressed thus:[1]
- Mr James Doe
- 71 Beechwood Road
- Goodside Gardens
- Diego Martin, 120110
- Trinidad and Tobago
In the example above, the digits "12" refer to the Diego Martin delivery office; "01" to a certain delivery route served by that office; and "10" to a certain building or zone along that delivery route.[2]
Postal workers' representatives noted that along with increased efficiency in mail sorting, the system is expected to accompany a loss in mail sorter jobs. Advocates of the postal code system touted several side benefits. Classifying every address in a geographical postal code could aid in statistical analysis of crime and health care, for example.[1]
