Metrication UK

Metrication UK

@metrication.uk

Going Metric in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 metrication.uk 📏 ⚖️ 🌡️ 🚗 All things related to the UK's still-to-be-completed metrication programme

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Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OTD 45 years ago, #metric restriction signs 🚗 were introduced on 🇬🇧 UK roads. From 13 August 1981, metric units 📏 could be used for the first time, alongside imperial units, to indicate height, width and length restrictions on 🇬🇧 UK road signs. Weight restriction signs went metric on the same day.

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

Dual units, with separate metric and imperial signs, paved the way for metric-only signs - imperial signs could be removed when all signs were dual units. However, in 1994, this #metrication route was scuppered, when the metric height roundel was withdrawn and a new dual unit sign was introduced.

Metrication UK reposted

UK Metric Association
@ukma.org.uk

Replying to @ukma.org.uk

When it comes to Britain's poor use of measurement units, the "elephant in the room" is its failure to complete metrication. bsky.app/profile/scot...

The National@scotnational.bsky.social

The unexpected discovery of a hole, the size of an elephant, has forced council bosses to delay the reopening of Glasgow's George Square, it has been revealed

thenational.scotDiscovery of 'elephant-sized hole' at Glasgow's George Square leads to project delay

Metrication UK reposted

UK Metric Association
@ukma.org.uk

50 years ago, the BBC's Inter-divisional Metrication Committee published "Metrication – A Producer’s Guide". Our latest blog article: What role did the BBC play in the UK’s transition to the metric system in the 1970s? #BBC #metrication #metric metricviews.uk/2026/03/26/w...

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

The musical film "Half a Sixpence" was released in 1967 - the same year in which the last pre-decimal coins 🪙 were minted. "Half of Two and a Half new pence" didn't have quite the same ring to it, but that didn't stop #decimalisation 55 years ago today. #OTD #OnThisDay #DecimalDay

Metrication UK reposted

Old UK Print Ads
@oldukprintads.bsky.social

Feb 1971: Groceries ad from Tesco (+Wincarnis "Red Label" TONIC WINE; Emva Cream Cyprus Sherry; Home Grown Cox's Apples; Our own cooked GAMMON HAM; Robinsons Barley Water; Gales Honey; Blue Band Margarine; Fray Bentos Steak & Kidney Pies; Cadbury's MINI ROLLS; Heinz Sponge Puddings, and more)

Metrication UK reposted

UK Metric Association
@ukma.org.uk

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the end of the traditional ale pint 🍺. Imperial measures led to a reduction in the size of a #pint of #beer, from about 578 ml to about 568 ml. #metric #metrication #OTD Our latest blog article: The end of the traditional pint metricviews.uk/2026/01/01/t...

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

56 years ago today was the last chance to use the HALF CROWN coin, before the switch to #decimal currency. There were four crowns to the pound, but crown coins weren't in general use. When learning about money, any child asking what it was worth would be told, "TWO AND SIX". #OTD #decimalisation

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

🎄 🎅 Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 A metric-size Robertson's Christmas Pudding 🥳 400 g METRIC PACK - circa 1980 #ChristmasPudding #metricpack #metrication #metric #metricsystem #Christmas

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk
UK Metric Association@ukma.org.uk

#OTD On this day 55 years ago, the Government postponed the introduction of #metric speed limits 🚗, previously scheduled for 1973. #metrication #metricsystem Our latest blog article: Metric speed limits – 55 years of dilly-dallying metricviews.uk/2025/12/09/m...

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

On this day 60 years ago, the British standard for screw threads 🔩 went #metric. On 23 November 1965, major sectors of British industry approved a BSI policy statement urging British firms to make ISO metric threads their first choice for all future designs. #OTD #metricsystem #metrication #ISO

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

On this day 50 years ago, breakfast cereals went #metric. On 1 November 1975, METRIC PACK sizes ⚖️ were introduced for flaked breakfast cereals 🌽❄️. Imperial pack sizes were withdrawn on 30 June 1978. #OTD #metricsystem #metrication

Metrication UK reposted

UK Metric Association
@ukma.org.uk

Replying to @20splenty.bsky.social

The cost can be reduced if the speed limit reduction takes place at the same time as a switch to metric speed limits. “30” signs could be retained, but perhaps with the addition of a temporary “km/h” plate. Metric also provides a more flexible range of speed limits. metricviews.uk/2023/09/01/o...

metricviews.ukOpportunity missed to save £ millions on new speed limit signs in WalesAn opportunity to save millions of pounds on new speed limit signs in Wales has been missed by the failure to synchronise the lowering of the default speed limit on roads in built-up areas in Wales…
Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

For 50 years now, the familiarity of the 1 kg bag of sugar has made it easy to visualise body weight ⚖️ changes in kilograms To visualise weight changes in stones 🪨, we have ... oh! The sale of #METRIC PACKs of sugar was first permitted 50 years ago today, on 1 October 1975 #thinkmetric #OTD #KISS

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

No 50th anniversary special #stamps from the Post Office today, but here's an event day cover ✉️, from 50 years ago, commemorating the Post Office's 🏤 very own M-Day.

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OTD 44 years ago, #metric restriction signs 🚗 were introduced on 🇬🇧 UK roads. From 13 August 1981, metric units 📏 could be used for the first time to indicate height, width and length restrictions on 🇬🇧 UK road signs. Weight restriction signs went metric on the same day. #metrication #roadsigns

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

At that time, metric restriction signs could only be used in combination with, and positioned below, an equivalent imperial sign. 44 years later, despite dual-unit signs being compulsory on all new signs installed since 2016, imperial-only signs are still in use.

Metrication UK reposted

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

Replying to @moorejh.bsky.social

For fun, here's an expanded version of the diagram, with a few more imperial units added, like cubic inches. How many people know all the imperial conversion factors? For anyone daunted by learning the metric system 📏, the equivalent #metric chart is included alongside.

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OTD 57 years ago, the Government confirmed that 1975 would be the end date for the UK's #metrication programme. Speed limits were to go #metric in 1973, but that date was postponed. 50 years after the 1975 target date, we are still waiting for the Government to complete its metrication programme.

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

55 years ago this month, the Commonwealth Games went #metric. In July 1970, athletics and swimming events switched to the metric system. In track events 🏃, metres replaced yards. In field events, metres (to 2 decimal places) 📏 replaced feet and inches. In swimming 🏊, metres replaced yards.

Metrication UK reposted

UK Metric Association
@ukma.org.uk

165 years ago, in his opening address at the London meeting of the International Statistical Congress, on 16 July 1860, Prince Albert drew attention to the measurement muddle, and was in no doubt that it would have to go. #metrication #metric #decimalisation #OTD metricviews.uk/2025/07/15/p...

metricviews.ukPrince Albert and the measurement muddle in the 1860s165 years ago, in his opening address at the London meeting of the International Statistical Congress, held on 16 July 1860, Prince Albert drew attention to the measurement muddle prevalent at the …
Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OnThisDay 130 years ago, the Select Committee on Weights and Measures ⚖️ proposed a rapid switch to the #metric system. Published 1 July 1895, their report recommended: "That after a lapse of two years the metrical system be rendered compulsory by Act of Parliament." ukma.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

The report noted: "the serious loss of time incurred by English school children in having to learn the complicated system of tables of existing weights and measures. ... no less than one year’s school time would be saved if the metrical system were taught in place of that now in use." 🏫 #metric

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OnThisDay #OTD 55 years ago, the first British decimal stamps 🏤📮 were issued. A 10p stamp might not seem "high value" today, but when stamps went #decimal in 1971, a 2nd class stamp ✉️ was 2½p. The 10p, 20p and 50p stamps served as 2/-, 4/- and 10/- stamps until D-Day - 15 February 1971.

Metrication UK
@metrication.uk

#OnThisDay #OTD 60 years ago, President of the Board of Trade, Douglas Jay announced the Government's intention for the UK to switch to the #metricsystem 📏 ⚖️ within 10 years. #metrication