Who is still stubbornly clinging on to imperial units in the UK in 2016? Metric views takes stock.
Category: General
Where does Brexit leave metrication?
On 23 June 2016, the British people voted to leave the European Union. After all 382 voting areas of the UK declared their results, Leave had a total of 17 410 742 votes (52% of the total vote) and Remain a total of 16 141 241 votes (48% of the total), on a turnout of 72% of a total electorate of 46 million.
Pronunciation matters
SI is the international standard of measurement, understood around the globe. But its value in communication can be reduced by variations in the way it is both spoken and written.
Metrication not an issue in EU referendum
Many issues have been raised in the referendum campaign. The UK measurement muddle has not been one of them. Ronnie Cohen comments on the campaign so far.
Continue reading “Metrication not an issue in EU referendum”
The link between muddled units and verbose traffic signs
Successive UK governments have retained imperial units exclusively for distance and speed on road traffic signs. Ronnie Cohen argues that, as a result, we have been unable to take advantage of universal unit symbols, a feature of the metric system but not of imperial.
Continue reading “The link between muddled units and verbose traffic signs”
An American perspective on the US metric transition
Earlier this year, Ronnie Cohen contacted the US Metric Association (USMA) to get information about the current situation in the USA regarding its transition to the metric system. Paul Trusten, Registered Pharmacist and Vice President and Public Relations Director of USMA, responded.
Continue reading “An American perspective on the US metric transition”
Perspectives on Canada’s metric transition
Following earlier discussion on Metric Views, we take a look at the current position on the metric changeover in Canada.
Continue reading “Perspectives on Canada’s metric transition”
EU in or out: metric either way
In February, the Prime Minister confirmed the date of the referendum which will decide whether the United Kingdom remains in or leaves the European Union (EU). The referendum will take place on 23 June 2016. In this article, Ronnie Cohen looks at some measurement issues related to the decision on EU membership.
Notable anniversaries in the last hold-out of irrational measures
The following article appeared in March/April 2016 edition of Metric Today, the newsletter of the US Metric Association (USMA). It is being re-posted with USMA’s permission.
Continue reading “Notable anniversaries in the last hold-out of irrational measures”
There may be hope for us yet
Metric Views has come across a personal view on the use of the metric system in Germany that may surprise some of our readers.
