Modular metric magic

OR A Tale of Over Forty Years of Dimensional Co-ordination in UK Kitchens

An article in the recent UKMA newsletter by the Editor on renovating his kitchen has prompted one of our regular contributors, John Frewen-Lord, to relate his own recent experiences doing the same thing, and how the use of metric units has saved enormous amounts of time and money in the process.

Continue reading “Modular metric magic”

Parallels between metrication and airport expansion policy

Ronnie Cohen has observed several similarities between successive governments’ policies on airport expansion and metrication. Although they are completely unrelated issues and there is no link between the two, it speaks volumes about the inability of the British government to act in the national interest and to face down opposition where necessary.

Continue reading “Parallels between metrication and airport expansion policy”

An anniversary for the US Metric Conversion Act

The 1975 Metric Conversion Act (MCA) was signed into law by President Gerald Ford on December 23, 1975. To mark the 40th anniversary of this event, Ronnie Cohen looks at the introduction of the Act and its effect on metrication in the USA.

Continue reading “An anniversary for the US Metric Conversion Act”

The Worboys Committee Report revisited

Ronnie Cohen looks back at the 1963 Worboys Committee report and reviews how well the current version of the TSRGD addresses the main criticisms of the earlier traffic signs system and the Committee’s findings and recommendations. He suggests ways that current signage can be improved to meet the Worboys ideals.

Continue reading “The Worboys Committee Report revisited”

Money-saving tips for cash-starved Councils and the DfT

Ronnie Cohen suggests ways to help those responsible for transport budgets, both local and national, achieve savings targets without extra spending.

Continue reading “Money-saving tips for cash-starved Councils and the DfT”

Our awkward, dual measuring instruments

As a consequence of the “very British mess” with measurement policy, the public has to put up with awkward, cluttered, hard-to-read dual measuring instruments. Various types are used every day. In this article, Ronnie Cohen describes several examples and comments on their impact on our daily lives.

Continue reading “Our awkward, dual measuring instruments”

On the beach (in North London)

The onset of foggy mornings and dark evenings reminds us that winter is on its way. Ronnie Cohen has written an article that may just get us thinking of those lazy, hazy days of summer spent on a continental beach (metric measures taken for granted) or perhaps even on an urban beach alongside the North Circular Road in North London.

Continue reading “On the beach (in North London)”

Milk in a muddle

Recent reports of the difficulties facing Britain’s milk producers have prompted Ronnie Cohen to look into the muddle sorrounding retail packaging and pricing of all types of milk.

Continue reading “Milk in a muddle”