Author Archives: tonyw

Watch “Decimalisation (1970)” on YouTube

Posted on 2020-02-15 by tonyw

Our last article, on the subject of the decimal currency changeover in 1971, attracted several comments from our readers, one of which drew to attention to a film relating to the event. For technical reasons, it is not possible to post this … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumer affairs, Education, History | Tagged , | 22 Comments

Could London bus accident have been prevented?

Posted on 2016-10-27 by tonyw

This weekend we heard the sad news that 26 people were injured when a double-deck bus hit a low bridge in Tottenham, north London. But could this accident have been prevented? Likes(32)Dislikes(16)

Posted in Road signs, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

The 1895 Select Committee on weights and measures

Posted on 2013-03-29 by tonyw

This article looks back to the findings and recommendations of the 1895 Parliamentary Select Committee on weights and measures. Likes(0)Dislikes(0)

Posted in Education, General, History, Law, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , | 26 Comments

1862 report from the Select Committee on weights and measures

Posted on 2013-03-01 by tonyw

The question of adopting metric measures in the UK is not a new proposition; in 1862 Parliament’s Select Committee on Weights and Measures considered the matter and came down firmly in favour of metrication. A century and a half later, … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Science, Technical, Views from abroad | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Ireland’s road signs revisited

Posted on 2012-06-22 by tonyw

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Road signs, Technical, Transport, Views from abroad | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

Marathon myth

Posted on 2012-04-22 by tonyw

With the London Marathon being run today, it is timely to remember the metric origins of the marathon, and to puncture the myth that it is a race measured in imperial units. Likes(1)Dislikes(1)

Posted in General, History, Myths, Sport | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Transport for London raises the bar on vehicle signs

Posted on 2012-04-04 by tonyw

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Road signs, Transport | Tagged , , | 21 Comments

Spain discredits DfT’s case against metric signs

Posted on 2011-03-11 by tonyw

The Spanish government this week exposed the Department for Transport’s case against adopting metric road signs in the UK as flawed. While the DfT maintains that it must allow an average of around £1400 to change our road signs, Spain this week changed all its motorway speed limit signs for an average cost of just €41, or £35.
Continue reading →

Posted in General, Road signs, Transport | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Southwark goes back to the 1980s

Posted on 2010-09-19 by tonyw

The London Borough of Southwark appears to relish its role as the setting for the BBC’s 1980s retro series Ashes to Ashes, which was filmed on location in the borough. Just a few hundred metres from filming locations, which were … Continue reading →

Posted in Road signs, Transport | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

60 km Jubilee Greenway to be signed in imperial

Posted on 2010-06-11 by tonyw

On 9th June 1977, the Queen officially opened the Silver Jubilee Walkway, a 21 km walking trail around central London to mark her Silver Jubilee, or 25 years on the throne. Thirty-three years later, work is under way to celebrate … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Road signs, Transport | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments