Sign in

Metrication UK

@metrication.uk
48 followers 17 following 65 posts

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

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads @oldukprintads.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Aug 1977: Flour ad from The Metrication Board «You'll find the new flour bags have put on a bit of weight»
This black and white advertisement discusses the introduction of metric weights for flour bags in the UK. It highlights that the new 1.5 kg flour bags contain more flour than the old 3 lb bags, and the new 500g flour bags contain just over 1 1/2 ounces more than the old 1 lb packs.

You'll find the new flour bags have put on a bit of weight

As flour is starting to be sold in metric weights, more and more you will find that the new 1.5 kg (1½ kilograms) pack is replacing the old 3 lb pack. This metric pack contains nearly 5 oz* more. 
The new 500 g (500 grams) pack is replacing the old 1 lb pack and contains just over 1½ oz* more. You get approximately ten per cent more flour in each of the metric packs: so you may expect to pay more for them. 
Metric packs are clearly marked METRIC PACK
*To be more precise 1.5 kg is 3.31 lb; 500 g is 1.1 lb.
092
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2026
#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.
An imperial width restriction sign indicating a width restriction of 6 feet 6 inches, together with an equivalent metric sign from 1981 showing a width restriction of 2.0 metres.
193
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/06/2026
Apart from medicines, which went metric in 1969, 🖌️ paint was the first liquid product to be sold to the public in metric volumes. #Metric cans of 🎨 paint first went on sale in June 1971. #metricsystem #metrication metrication.uk/industry/con...
A demonstration set of metric paint cans issued to British paint wholesalers in October 1970.

An owl, wearing a mortar board, sitting on top of the British Standards Institution metrication logo, features prominently on each of the bright red cans' boldly designed label.

The label includes the words, "Paint Going Metric 1971", and "This is the NEW Metric Paint Can".

The cans come in 5 sizes:
250 ml, 500 ml, 1 litre, 2.5 litre and 5 litre.
342
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 29/04/2026
"What is up with UK bridge height signs?" #metrication #metricsystem www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH_b...
youtube.com
What is up with UK bridge height signs?
YouTube video by Stand-up Maths
031
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 29/04/2026
There is also a potential legal issue with dual unit signs. Depending on the sign, it is possible for a vehicle to be compliant with the metric restriction but not the imperial one, and vice versa. metrication.uk/transport/ro...
131
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 18/04/2026
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...
123
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 26/03/2026
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 – A Producer’s Guide"

A 68-page booklet published by the BBC Inter-divisional Metrication Committee in October 1976.
021
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 15/02/2026
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
2 decimal coins from 1971:

A 2 NEW PENCE coin, and a ½ NEW PENNY coin.
231
Reposted by Metrication UK
go follow @news.abc.net.au @abc-news.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Australia marks 60 years since switching to decimal currency: www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-14/aust…
abc.net.au
Australia marks 60 years since switching to decimal currency
Six decades ago, Australia swapped its old currency for dollars and cents. A catchy jingle sung by a cartoon character named Dollar Bill helped the country adapt.
075
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads @oldukprintads.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
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)
This is an advertisement for a Tesco supermarket in the UK from 1971. It features a range of groceries, including tinned goods, meat, and toiletries, as well as the option to purchase Green Shield Stamps. It is a promotional advertisement during the change over to decimal currency.

Trust Tesco to see you through the “Change-over”!

All Tesco.Stores will be closed on Monday February
15th to prepare for Decimalisation.
All Tesco Stores will open on Tuesday February 16th
at the normal time and will stay open each day for the
remainder of the week.
From Tuesday February 16th all Tesco Stores will be
Decimal Shops,
All your present money will be accepted, but change
will be given in Decimal Coinage only.
Conversion of all £ s. d. prices to £p prices are
strictly in accordance with the official shoppers table
(a copy of which will be prominently displayed in
every store.)
All Tesco staff have received training to give advice
and assistance to our customers.
Green Shield Stamps:- Your entitlement to these will
remain the same. One stamp for every 21p (6d) spent.
Therefore you still get 40 stamps for each £1 spent, and
of course, twice that number on Double Stamp Days
(except on Wines, Spirits & Cigarettes).
Home'n'Wear
CLOTHING FOR ALL THE FAMILY
HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES * HOUSEWARES
QUALITY + VARIETY + VALUE
GOODS EXCHANGED OR MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
0132
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Feb 1971: Bank Statement ad from Lloyds Bank «Computers. Decimals. The postal strike.»
This Lloyds Bank advert highlights the efficient processing of decimalised bank statements by computers. However, a postal strike means statements cannot be delivered. Customers are invited to collect their statement from their local branch.

Computers. Decimals. The postal strike.

A topical statement from Lloyds Bank
On D-Day (Feb. 15th)
Lloyds Bank computers finished
printing out over 700 miles of
decimalised bank statements
right on schedule. But while the
postal strike lasts we're unable
to deliver them.
If you're a Lloyds Bank
customer and you'd like to see
your D-Day balance, then please
call at your branch. You'll
find your statement ready for
collection.
Lloyds Bank looks after people like you
051
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 01/01/2026
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...
A traditional glass mug of beer
072
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 31/12/2025
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
A 1967 half-crown coin
131
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 25/12/2025
🎄 🎅 Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 A metric-size Robertson's Christmas Pudding 🥳 400 g METRIC PACK - circa 1980 #ChristmasPudding #metricpack #metrication #metric #metricsystem #Christmas
A Robertson's Christmas Pudding in its box

400 g METRIC PACK

circa 1980
031
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Top 30 posts of 2025, #30...
043
Reposted by Metrication UK
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 10/12/2025
Here's a 1973 edition of the leaflet ... #GoingMetric
GOING
METRIC

Check List
for
Managers

MM1
August 1973

Metrication Board
162
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Dec 1972: Metrication Check List for Managers ad from The Metrication Board (+Regular publications related to metrication) «Business is simpler in metric.»
This advertisement encourages managers to adopt the metric system in their businesses, highlighting the increasing metrication in Britain by 1975. It offers a checklist for managers to arrange their metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost.

Business is simpler in metric.

By 1975 Britain will be substantially metric. This Government has endorsed the target set in 1965.
Already by 1973 the construction industry will have completed their changeover. By 1975 the engineering industry will be 75% metric.
Most industrial materials are already available in metric. Examples are steel, non-ferrous metals, timber, building materials.
If you're responsible for your firm's future you need to know about metrication.
To help your changeover the Metrication Board has published a ten-point Check List for Managers. A step-by-step leaflet advising you how to arrange your metrication programme to get the maximum benefit at the minimum cost. Send for the Check List today.
Please place my company on your mailing list for regular publications and send me “Going Metric-Check List for Managers.”
Type of Business
Name
Position
Company
Address
SD 1
Send to: Information Office, Metrication Board, 22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE
152
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 09/12/2025
Setting speed limits in km/h
is so difficult that only

98 of the world's 100
largest countries
have managed to do it.
020
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 23/11/2025
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
a cross section diagram of an ISO metric screw thread
100
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/11/2025
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
A 1975 METRIC PACK of Kellogg's Corn Flakes.

The back of the pack includes information about the switch to metric pack sizes: 

"Kellogg's and Metrication

You will probably have noticed from the front of this packet that it has a new metric weight. It now contains 500 grammes (1.10 lb) of Corn Flakes in place of the previous 16 oz.

Since the Weights and Measures Act, 1963, we have had to pack our flaked breakfast cereals in multiples of 4 ounces. This was the main reason why Corn Flakes were packed in 8 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz packet sizes.

But now that Britain is changing to the metric weight system the Law has been amended to permit flaked cereals to be packed and sold in set metric quantities.

This Giant pack, which previously held 16 ounces, will now contain 500 grammes (one of the new set quantities). So there are now 10% more Corn Flakes in the packet."
122
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 04/10/2025
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.uk
Opportunity missed to save £ millions on new speed limit signs in Wales
An 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…
282
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/10/2025
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
A 1976 Silver Spoon 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar
010
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 29/09/2025
#OTD On this day, 50 years ago, the Post Office 🏤 went #metric 📏. On 29 September 1975, all ⚖️ weight-based 📮📦 postal tariffs switched to the #metric system. POSTER: "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept" metrication.uk/post-office/
A 1975 Post Office poster titled, "Mail goes metric from 29 Sept".

Some examples of the new weight steps

INLAND
letters
60g 100g 150g 200g 250g 300g 350g 400g 450g 500g 750g

parcels
1kg 2kg 3kg 4kg 5kg 6kg 7kg 8kg 9kg 10kg

OVERSEAS
air-letters - Europe
20g 50g 100g

air-letters - Outside Europe
15g 30g 40g

Imperial equivalents for the new weight values are given in brackets.
120
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Sep 1974: Metric System ad from The Metrication Board (+Cement; Plaster; Linseed Oil Putty; Deodorants; Cosmetics; Shaving Creams; Hair Sprays; Pharmaceutical Products; Dog Meat; and After Shave) «Weighing up the kilogram.»
An old advert for the metric system of measurement. It is saying that 1 kilogram weighs 2 1/4lbs. Many goods are sold in quantities of 250 grams, 500 grams, etc.

Weighing up the kilogram.

Virtually every country in the world
is metric, or, like Britain, is changing
to metric now. Under the metric system
the kilogram is used for measuring
weight. It is pronounced 'killo-gram.'
When you buy in metric weights, it
may help to remember that 500 grams
(half a kilogram) is just over 1 lb.
Many goods are sold in quantities
of 250 grams (1 kilogram),
500 grams (kilogram), etc.
Already examples of
goods sold by the kilogram
are in the shops, for
example-putty, plaster, and
cement. Deodorants, cosmetics,
shaving creams, hair sprays and
many pharmaceutical products have
been sold in metric sizes for some time,
and most of the bathroom scales you
can buy show dual marking.
Where to get more information.
More information is available
from your local Trading Standards
Officer or Consumer Protection
Officer (Inspector of Weights and
Measures), from your Citizens'
Advice Bureau or your local
Women's Institute or Rural
Community Council.
The Metrication Board
22 Kingsway, London WC2B 6LE
Britain in the Metric World.
062
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 06/09/2025
2025 is the 50th anniversary of Rugby's switch to the #metric system for all measurements. In 1975, the 25-yard line became the 22-metre line, and the crossbar height was set at 3.0 metres. passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-...
A diagram of a Rugby Union pitch showing all dimensions in round metric values. It includes the 22-metre and 10-metre lines.
131
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 17/08/2025
METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979 bsky.app/profile/oldu...
METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979
010
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 17/08/2025
Sugar in 1 kg METRIC PACKS first appeared in the shops 49 years ago, in the summer of 1976: bsky.app/profile/oldu...
A 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar - 1976
042
Reposted by Metrication UK
Old UK Print Ads 70s/80s/90s @oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Aug 1979: Butter ad from The Metrication Board «And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes.»
This advertisement from The Metrication Board is designed to inform the public that butter is going metric. It states that new metric packs will weigh just over 10% more than the old sizes.

And now butter goes metric too. The new metric packs weigh 10% more than the old sizes.

Butter is going metric in the shops now. After 26 August all prepacked butter will be sold in metric quantities. On the right is the half pound pack of butter you're used to. The new 250 gram metric pack is below. A new 500 gram pack replaces the old 1 lb pack too. These new metric packs weigh just over 10% more. So they will go further - but they may cost you more for the extra butter. When it comes to cooking, for metric recipes measure only in metric. Or you can still use your old recipe books if you just weigh out ounces from the metric packs. Whatever you do, don't confuse yourself by mixing grams and ounces. Our 'Shopping in Metric 1979' leaflet helps you to compare weight and prices between the new packs and the old. Ask your retailer for one or write direct to us.
142
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/08/2025
#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
An imperial width restriction sign indicating a width restriction of 6 feet 6 inches, together with an equivalent metric sign from 1981 showing a width restriction of 2.0 metres.

#metrication #metricsystem #metric
100
Reposted by Metrication UK
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025
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.
A diagram comparing imperial and metric units of volume.

1 quart = 8 gills
1 firkin = 4.5 pecks
1 pint = 34.677 cubic inches

1 litre = 1000 millilitres

@metrication.uk
021
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 26/07/2025
#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.
The Government agree that programmes for the different sectors of the economy can be properly co-ordinated only if there is some general guidance on the timing. They therefore accept the end of 1975 as the target date for all provisional programmes, with the qualification that if this date proves to be unreasonable for any particular sector, the programme may aim at an earlier or later date.

Anthony Wedgwood Benn, Minister of Technology
26 July 1968

METRICATION
HC Deb 26 July 1968 vol 769 cc1167-711167
131
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 19/07/2025
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.
Four athletics programmes for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
110
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 15/07/2025
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.uk
Prince Albert and the measurement muddle in the 1860s
165 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 …
031
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/07/2025
#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...
100
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 17/06/2025
#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.
A Post Office poster picturing the three new high value decimal stamps that were available from 17 June 1970. It reads:

"Decimal High Value Definitive Stamps

Three new high value decimal stamps 10p 20p and 50p will be on sale here from 17 June 1970"
000
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 24/05/2025
#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
000
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 20/05/2025
Today, 20 May 2025, is World Metrology Day #BIPM150 #metrication #metric The World Metrology Day Symposium can be watched LIVE at this link now: youtu.be/GEt30j80CN4
youtu.be
World Metrology Day Symposium 2025
YouTube video by UNESCO
001
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 20/05/2025
20 May 2025 is World Metrology Day. #OnThisDay #OTD 150 years ago, 17 nations signed the International Treaty of the Metre 📜📏, aka the Metre Convention. This marked the establishment of the BIPM, the 🌐International Bureau of Weights and Measures ⚖️📏. #BIPM150 #metrication #metric system
A poster promoting World Metrology Day
20 May 2025

150 years of the Metre Convention

"Measurements for all times, for all people"
100
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 15/05/2025
The @metoffice.bsky.social switched to degrees #Celsius for all #weather reports 63 years ago, yet some TV forecasts 🌦️ still give temperatures in #Fahrenheit. In contrast, Australia and Canada both managed the change in one day: 🇦🇺 1972-09-01, 🇨🇦 1975-04-01. #metrication #metricsystem #bbc
How it started ...
1960s - All visuals in degrees Celsius. Fahrenheit begins to be phased out.

How it's going ...
2025 - Still giving conversions in Fahrenheit.
241
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 05/05/2025
#OnThisDay in 1975, rail traffic went #metric. On 5 May 1975, #rail traffic switched to metric measurements for loads, capacities, tare weights and brake force.
A 1975 British rail #metrication information leaflet titled "Tons and Tonnes".

The leaflet includes the following text:

"On the traffic side of the railway we are chiefly concerned with distance and weight. As to distance, no metrication is planned for the time being. Unless the Government decides to change from miles to kilometres on the roads, we too will go on using miles, chains and yards - and of course speeds in miles per hour.

With weight measures the situation is different. Already the railway sales people have for some time been quoting rates for freight in metric weights, because so many of our customers are dealing in them, Now it is time for them to come into use on the operating side as well. From 5 May next, metric weights will become the standard for loads, capacities, tare weights and brake force".
010
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 26/04/2025
If professional boxing used #metric weight categories, like those used in the amateur sport, he would have qualified comfortably. bsky.app/profile/ukma...
112
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 13/04/2025
#OnThisDay in 1668, "An Essay Towards a Real Character, and a Philosophical Language", by John Wilkins, was published by the @royalsociety.org . It proposed a universal #decimal system of weights and measures, including a new Standard unit of length 📏, almost exactly equal to our modern day #metre.
"An Essay Towards a Real Character, and a Philosophical Language", by John Wilkins.

With highlighted extract:

"39 inches and a quarter ...
Let this Length therefore be called the Standard; let one Tenth of it be called a Foot; one Tenth of a Foot an Inch; one Tenth of an Inch a Line. And so upward, Ten Standards should be a Pearch; Ten Pearches, a Furlong; Ten Furlongs, a Mile; Ten Miles, a League, &c."
100
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 04/04/2025
The Liberal Democrats @libdems.org.uk have become the latest political party to join the populist "save the pint" 🍺 bandwagon. Our latest blog post : Lib Dems block ability of Minister to allow metric measures for draught beer metricviews.uk/2025/04/04/l...
011
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 01/04/2025
Do you still think of timber in terms of 2-by-4s? If so you are probably showing your age. #OnThisDay #OTD 55 years ago, timber 🪵 went #metric. From 1 April 1970, all sawn softwood 🪚🪵 was sold in cross sections in millimetres, and round metric lengths.
A 1970 #metrication information leaflet published by the Timber Research and Development Association.

The leaflet details the new metric standard range of sizes for sawn timber available from 1 April 1970.
100
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 05/03/2025
#OnThisDay #OTD 56 years ago, Minister of Transport Richard Marsh announced plans to switch road 🚗 speed limit signs to kilometres per hour. "We propose, subject to further consultation, that speed limits should become #metric in 1973." #metricsystem hansard.parliament.uk/%E2%80%8CCom...
A diagram with 3 images, showing one method for the #metrication of speed limit signs.

The first image is of a current imperial 50 mph sign - a red roundel showing the figure 50.

The second image is of a transitionary metric 80 km/h sign - a red roundel showing the figure 80, with a supplementary plate below the roundel showing a symbol km/h.

The third image is identical to the second, but with the supplementary km/h plate removed.
110
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 03/03/2025
#OnThisDay #OTD 56 years ago, prescription medicines ⚕️💊went #metric. From 3 March 1969, the metric system became obligatory for the dispensing of all prescriptions. Bottled medicines were accompanied by 5 mL spoons 🥄, and were reformulated for standard dose volumes of 5 mL and 10 mL.
000
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 28/02/2025
Didn't going #metric mean that we would never need to know HOW BIG an #acre is? 🤷 Here's a handy diagram of antiquated units of area to decypher the acre used by today's estate agents 🏡 and TV shows 📺. Or, maybe they could just use square metres and #hectares. #KISS #keepitsimple #metricsystem
A diagram comparing imperial and metric units of area.

1 acre = 4 roods
1 rood = 40 perches
1 perch = 30.25 square yards

1 hectare = 10000 square metres
011
Reposted by Metrication UK
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 14/02/2025
Truly a man ahead of his time. In 1668, The Royal Society published another of his works, "An Essay Towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language", in which he laid out the core principles of what would become the decimal #metric system, over 120 years later. metrication.uk/more/history...
101
Reposted by Metrication UK
UK Metric Association @ukma.org.uk · 14/02/2025
Could metrication have shortened World War I by 2 years, and saved millions of lives? In 1904, Parliament came close to fully-adopting the metric system. In our latest blog article, we consider one of the possible consequences of failing to do so. metricviews.uk/2025/02/14/c...
metricviews.uk
Could metrication have shortened World War I by 2 years, and saved millions of lives?
In a follow up to an article last year, about the occasion in 1904 when Parliament came close to fully-adopting the metric system, we consider one of the possible consequences of this failure.
001
Metrication UK @metrication.uk · 10/02/2025
50 years ago this month, carpets 🚗🐕🐈 went #metric. In February 1975, #carpet retailers agreed to switch to metric unit pricing for carpets and floor coverings. But a failure to back up the voluntary move with legislation allowed the process to be reversed in 1977.
A 1970s #Metrication Board advertisement with a consumer guide to buying carpets and fabrics in metric units.
100