Parcel delivery to pick-up boxes is becoming increasingly popular among Czech customers. In recent months, the placement and design of these lockers have sparked discussions at the municipal level, in the media, and among organizations involved in urban infrastructure.
PPL has been actively participating in these discussions and has now summarized its approach clearly on the new Principles of Responsible PPL Box Placement webpage. It explains the rules and criteria used for selecting and installing lockers.
“At PPL, we prioritize quality over quantity and always approach box placement with thoughtfulness and respect. Parcel lockers have become a common part of towns and cities, but to truly serve people, they must be well-considered—with respect for the space, residents, technical infrastructure, and the historical context. Unfortunately, some recent discussions have included inaccuracies, which is why we decided to openly share our approach,” emphasizes Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.
The newly published page provides not only the guiding principles, but also practical information for municipal leaders and private landowners—covering everything from box dimensions to cooperation details and helpful documents for planning purposes.
Thoughtfully and responsibly
As outlined in the Principles of Responsible PPL Box Placement, PPL considers various factors when selecting locations: population density, accessibility, the existing network of boxes, utilities infrastructure, and all currently applicable regulations. The goal is to ensure the boxes serve the public well without disrupting their surroundings or creating complications.
“We consider not only functionality but also safety. A PPL box must not obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic, interfere with sightlines at intersections, or disrupt barrier-free routes. Most often, we place the lockers against walls, or even integrate them into fences, façades, or walls,” says Michaela Machovcová, Head of Network Expansion for PPL CZ.
If a chosen location is within a heritage protection zone, the company always seeks approval from the relevant heritage office. In addition to aesthetics, PPL also takes into account utility lines and box dimensions—offering various sizes that allow flexibility in more spatially challenging areas.
One example of this thoughtful approach is found in Litomyšl, where PPL successfully and sensitively installed a pick-up box within a UNESCO zone. The box was placed next to a supermarket previously approved by city authorities. Here, the locker fits in both naturally and functionally, without being visually disruptive. This placement was made possible through dialogue and collaboration between PPL, city officials, the supermarket operator, and planners. The design was adapted to the location using only white and grey tones.
PPL lockers are not subject to municipal market regulations
Recently, the Our Cultivated Cities initiative published a document titled Strategy for Parcel Lockers in the City, recommending that municipalities regulate locker placement through a municipal market order, under the assumption that these services fall under such regulation. However, this interpretation does not align with current legislation. PPL lockers operate under the Postal Services Act and are therefore not subject to Section 18 of the Trade Licensing Act, which governs municipal market regulations.
“This legal interpretation has been confirmed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in its statement dated January 15, 2025, as well as by the Association for Electronic Commerce (APEK) and our legal department. The conclusion is clear: the authority of municipalities to regulate the provision of services outside business premises applies exclusively to activities covered by the Trade Licensing Act. Postal services—including parcel lockers—do not fall under that law,” explains Machovcová.
In recent months, PPL representatives have participated in meetings with several Prague city districts, and APEK, which represents PPL in many areas, has also met with the Union of Towns and Municipalities of the Czech Republic.
“We appreciate the opportunity to take part in these discussions and believe we bring not only the perspective of an operator but also practical experience and the voice of our customers. At the same time, we believe it is crucial that any regulatory frameworks be based on existing legislation and that all parties act in accordance with it. Only through mutual cooperation and respect for the rules can parcel lockers truly serve their purpose,” concludes Petr Horák, CEO of PPL CZ.
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