Low bridge signs to go metric

With data suggesting that ten percent of all 'bridge strikes' involve foreign truck drivers, the Department of Transport is blaming road signs with imperial measurements on them and has confirmed that metric units will also be displayed on signs in future.

Over three percent of heavy goods traffic in the UK is registered abroad, where drivers are used to widespread usage of metric units, so it's not surprising that some will be confused by the notation of bridge clearance heights displayed in Britain - e.g. 15' - 8" denotes 15 foot, 8 inches.

The decision for a change in policy follows lobbying by Network Rail, with rail services severely disrupted following any strike on a bridge carrying rail lines. Along with inconvenience, there is always the possibility that an incident could cause a fatal crash.

However, not all parties are happy about the move. Derek Clark, an MEP with the UK Independence Party told Radio 4's Today programme that the slow gradual movement to metric units was the "thin end of the wedge". He continued: "It is perhaps insignificant in itself. But it is all part of the EU's ploy of drawing us into the continental mindset. The metrification of our roads is being done by stealth - little by little."

While the UK Metric Association would like to see further use of metric units, public opinion has been shown to be in support of retaining the UK's imperial system.

Shane O' Donoghue