And the practical usefulness of all this is ... ?

Intbel · 20-01-2005, 09:36 AM

Metric system sends drivers speeding down a dead end
By Thomas Harding, Ireland Correspondent
(Filed: 20/01/2005)

After two decades of confusing tourists and locals alike by having distances in kilometres and speeds in miles per hour Ireland becomes fully metric today.

But the unveiling of more than 60,000 new speed signs led to some exasperation after one gave an 80 kph (50 mph) limit down a dead end and another suggested 100 kph (62 mph) outside a primary school.

Engineers install a new metric sign in County Wicklow, Ireland
A publicity campaign, including a nationwide mail-shot, should prevent some interpreting the new 120 limit on motorways as an excuse to become Formula One drivers. Northern Ireland's transport department has also launched a campaign urging motorists to take extra care across the border.

Police are bracing themselves for confusion, errors and high speeds although there will be "no period of grace" for law-breakers.

But the Garda already has one headache, with half its speed guns still registering mph, leading to some officers having to hold a radar gun in one hand and a conversion chart in the other.

When Ireland converted its distances to kilometres in 1983, drivers often never knew quite how far or close they were to destinations because signs jumped between the measurements. But now that the metric system has been taught in schools for 30 years, and to allow greater harmony with the rest of Europe, Dublin is ready to change.

It means that Britain remains the only European country with the imperial system on its roads. A spokesman for the Department of Transport said it was likely to remain that way "for the foreseeable future".

Although the Irish might have discarded one system in favour of greater European harmony, they are still stuck with another irritating British legacy – driving on the left.

And the practical usefulness of all this is what exactly please?

mkpdavies · 20-01-2005, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Although the Irish might have discarded one system in favour of greater European harmony, they are still stuck with another irritating British legacy – driving on the left.

Which just happens to be the best way according to a number of studies. Check this out!

http://www.starimage.co.uk/scda/refe...n_the_left.htm

How on earth is it irritating anyway? I drive on the left and right and personaly I am not bothered which side I am on. Another case of trying to make an issue out of a non-issue.

Intbel · 20-01-2005, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkpdavies

How on earth is it irritating anyway? I drive on the left and right and personaly I am not bothered which side I am on. Another case of trying to make an issue out of a non-issue.

I drove a L/H drive truck for a while.
I soon got used to it but I never liked it.

I don't think in the UK we'll ever change side - too late now.
At least we will keep something >sniff<

20-01-2005, 09:36 AM	#1 (permalink)
Intbel Uber Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a field near you - look for the yellow and purple tent ... Posts: 4,665	And the practical usefulness of all this is ... ? Metric system sends drivers speeding down a dead end By Thomas Harding, Ireland Correspondent (Filed: 20/01/2005) After two decades of confusing tourists and locals alike by having distances in kilometres and speeds in miles per hour Ireland becomes fully metric today. But the unveiling of more than 60,000 new speed signs led to some exasperation after one gave an 80 kph (50 mph) limit down a dead end and another suggested 100 kph (62 mph) outside a primary school. Engineers install a new metric sign in County Wicklow, Ireland A publicity campaign, including a nationwide mail-shot, should prevent some interpreting the new 120 limit on motorways as an excuse to become Formula One drivers. Northern Ireland's transport department has also launched a campaign urging motorists to take extra care across the border. Police are bracing themselves for confusion, errors and high speeds although there will be "no period of grace" for law-breakers. But the Garda already has one headache, with half its speed guns still registering mph, leading to some officers having to hold a radar gun in one hand and a conversion chart in the other. When Ireland converted its distances to kilometres in 1983, drivers often never knew quite how far or close they were to destinations because signs jumped between the measurements. But now that the metric system has been taught in schools for 30 years, and to allow greater harmony with the rest of Europe, Dublin is ready to change. It means that Britain remains the only European country with the imperial system on its roads. A spokesman for the Department of Transport said it was likely to remain that way "for the foreseeable future". Although the Irish might have discarded one system in favour of greater European harmony, they are still stuck with another irritating British legacy – driving on the left. And the practical usefulness of all this is what exactly please?

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