Some aspects of measurement usage in the British transport sector appear to be uniquely British with no known parallel across the whole world. The British really are out of step with the modern world when it comes to transport measurements. The British transport sector is one of the last imperial bastions in the UK thanks to DfT policies.
Continue reading “Odd British Measurement Usage in the Transport Sector”Tag: DfT
DfT holds back TfL from all-metric usage
Transport for London (TfL) uses metres and kilometres to express distances in its press releases with few exceptions and often uses metres elsewhere in public places. However, speeds are expressed in miles per hour, no doubt due to Department for Transport (DfT) regulations and usage. Tariffs for taxi fares are expressed in metres for short journeys and in miles for longer journeys and reflect current regulations. I praise TfL for using metric units wherever they can. It is a pity that DfT regulations and usage are holding back TfL from going fully metric.
Continue reading “DfT holds back TfL from all-metric usage”No DfT research on familiarity of road sign units
A Freedom of Information response from the Department for Transport reveals that it has done no research on the general public’s familiarity of road sign units. The DfT once used the lack of metric education as an argument against the metrication of road signs but has never seen the lack of familiarity with imperial units as a problem with its current use of imperial road signs.
Continue reading “No DfT research on familiarity of road sign units”How to improve Highway Code 2022
The Highway Code was updated on 29 January 2022. It introduced a hierarchy of road users based on vulnerability and aimed to give priority to the most vulnerable road users. Ronnie Cohen comments.
Continue reading “How to improve Highway Code 2022”Highway Code conversion confusion
Ronnie Cohen looks at consequences of the UK’s measurement muddle for The Highway Code.
Continue reading “Highway Code conversion confusion”History repeating itself
A book review that was recently recently drawn to our attention describes how Britain lagged behind other countries in discovering “the joys of electricity”. We are struck by parallels with the UK’s metric conversion.
Continue reading “History repeating itself”Legal position on metric social distance signs
Now that we have all become accustomed to metric social distance signs, it might be a good time to look at their legality, which some have questioned. Ronnie Cohen has investigated and reports his conclusions.
Continue reading “Legal position on metric social distance signs”New speed limit in central London
Ronnie Cohen, one of our regular contributors, comments on the introduction on 2 March of a 20mph speed limit on certain roads in London’s Congestion Charging Zone.
Metric Views 