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Metrication UK
@metrication.uk
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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
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 Imperial pack sizes were withdrawn on 30 June 1978.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."
November 1, 2025 at 9:40 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
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...
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…
metricviews.uk
October 4, 2025 at 8:11 AM
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
A 1976 Silver Spoon 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar
October 1, 2025 at 5:51 AM
metrication.uk
#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.
September 29, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
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.
September 18, 2025 at 5:50 AM
metrication.uk
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.
September 6, 2025 at 3:59 PM
metrication.uk
METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979

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METRIC PACKS of Homepride flour in the "Homepride Selection" catalogue leaflet, 1979
August 17, 2025 at 10:58 PM
metrication.uk
Sugar in 1 kg METRIC PACKS first appeared in the shops 49 years ago, in the summer of 1976:

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A 1 kilogram METRIC PACK of sugar - 1976
August 17, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
oldukprintads7890s.bsky.social
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.
August 11, 2025 at 7:50 PM
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
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
August 13, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
metrication.uk
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
July 26, 2025 at 3:13 PM
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.
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
July 26, 2025 at 4:11 PM
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.
Four athletics programmes for the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.
July 19, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
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...
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 …
metricviews.uk
July 15, 2025 at 6:55 PM
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...
July 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
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.
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"
June 17, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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
May 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
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
World Metrology Day Symposium 2025
YouTube video by UNESCO
youtu.be
May 20, 2025 at 8:25 AM
metrication.uk
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"
May 20, 2025 at 8:08 AM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
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.
May 15, 2025 at 3:04 PM
metrication.uk
#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".
May 5, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
If professional boxing used #metric weight categories, like those used in the amateur sport, he would have qualified comfortably.

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April 26, 2025 at 8:27 AM
metrication.uk
#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."
April 13, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Metrication UK
ukma.org.uk
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...
April 4, 2025 at 1:39 PM
metrication.uk
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.
April 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM