Metric motoring

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32797, 23 December 1971, Page 9

Metric motoring

Road signs showing distances in kilometres will start to appear throughout New Zealand next year, and the speedometers of all vehicles in New Zealand will have to show metric speed - limit markings by 1975.

Working under the Metric Advisory Board, a committee has drafted a programme for the change to metrics as it will affect road transport. The Government’s target date for the greater part of the change to metrics in New Zealand is the end of 1976.

When the change occurs, length and distance will be measured in kilometres, metres, and millimetres; weight in kilograms, speed in kilometres per hour (k.p.h.), and capacity—as when buying petrol or oil in litres.

A kilometres is about five eighths of a mile; a metre is 39.37 in.; a kilogram is 2.21 b; and a litre

Third I.A.M. branch A branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (N.Z.) has been formed in Wellington, and now has 30 members. It is the third branch of the institute in the country, the other two being in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay. The institute is modelled on the British 1.A.M., which was formed in 1956. Members must pass a severe 40-mile driving test with an examiner trained to Hendon Police Driving School standards. The test places great emphasis on concentration, anticipation, observation and judgment, in conjunction with safety and mechanical sympathy.

is .22 of a gallon, or about 1.7 pints.

Although new road signs erected from next year will show distances in kilometres, existing road signs will be converted gradually during the netx four years. In 1973, advisory speed signs on curves will show speeds in k.p.h. as well as m.p.h.. and the m.p.h. signs will disappear two years later.

Speed-limit signs will be changed to k.p.h. figures in the first months of 1975.

Speed limits will probably “be rounded-off,” but 30 m.p.h. is 48.2 k.p.h.. 40 m.p.h. is 64.3 k.p.h., and 60 m.p.h. is 96.5 k.p.h. Maps showing all distances in kilometres are already being prepared, and these will be available in about two years, but conversion tables for miles and kilometres will become generally available next year. All vehicles sold after the end of next year will be required to have metric speedometers and odometers, with removable m.p.h. markings on them.