It was not possible to provide illustrations for the article on metric progress in Malaysia that was published on MV in January 2010. We can now remedy this deficiency.
Category: Road signs
Aggregation of marginal gains – a way forward for the ailing UK economy
The recent performance of our Olympians, in particular the Team GB cyclists and their support team, is in stark contrast to that of the UK economy. We ask if there are lessons for the British government.
Continue reading “Aggregation of marginal gains – a way forward for the ailing UK economy”
London 2012 – winners and losers
As the Games draw to a close, we take a look at some of the winners and losers.
Metric majority attained
Preliminary results of the 2011 census for England and Wales indicate that those of the population who were taught metric at school now comfortably outnumber those who were taught Imperial.
Ireland’s road signs revisited
In Ireland, the changeover from Imperial to metric of its highway distance signs began in the 1990s. This was followed by the change of speed limit signs, which took place over a week-end in January 2005. Seven years on, we take a fresh look at the outcome.
Inconsistent and confusing distances on public signs
Ronnie Cohen writes about the muddle of measurement units he has found on public signs in London, particularly those related to public transport and cycling. If two measurement systems were not bad enough, he has found there are now three.
Continue reading “Inconsistent and confusing distances on public signs”
DfT cost claims busted
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) now puts forward cost as the principal reason for the failure to convert road traffic signs to metric. Ronnie Cohen reports on a major study he has recently carried out, using the Freedom of Information Act, to find out the actual costs of replacing and installing traffic signs. He finds that the DfT estimate of cost, published in 2006, bears little relation to reality.
Howe calls for metrication progress
Lord Howe of Aberavon, the former Conservative Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister, intervened in the Queen’s Speech debate on Tuesday to reiterate his call for the Government to complete the conversion of the UK’s weights and measures to metric units.
Fire hydrant signs – a successful metric conversion
Metric Views looks at a successful but unsung project that took place during the early years of the UK’s metric transition. We speculate what might have occurred had this job been the responsibility, not of local government, but of the UK Department for Transport (DfT), and we draw attention to a paradox. Continue reading “Fire hydrant signs – a successful metric conversion”
Transport for London raises the bar on vehicle signs
Metric Views is pleased to give credit where it’s due, and this week it is due to Transport for London (TfL) for raising the bar on the signage of vehicle restrictions. We have previously criticised the signing at the Rotherhithe Tunnel, a road operated by TfL, but a few weeks ago new signs were installed which meet the standards recommended in the Traffic Signs Manual. Continue reading “Transport for London raises the bar on vehicle signs”
