WALES WIDE WEB POSTAL AREAS

The use of postal codes is common throughout the British Isles, and although it is not mandatory, the delivery of letters is more reliable if they are used. For those not familiar with the British system, it is explained roughly as follows.

Each code starts with initial letters (such as NP), which refer to a postal area; these usually relate to the principal postal town in the area (such as Newport). These areas are shown in the map, below. Then there is a number, usually being a single digit, but sometimes being two. Then a space. Then another number and two further letters.

In most cases, the complete post code refers to a street, or even a single premises if it is large, so it is in theory possible to specify an address by quoting only the post code and the house number or name. In practice this is risky, as it may be misread and cannot be checked.