David Jamieson,Under Secretary of State in the dept of Transport has given the following reply to me:
"Although many drivers are familiar with metric units it would not be appropriate to fix a date for converting speed limit and distance signs while there is still likely to be a significant proportion of drivers for whom the change could be potentially confusing.We have no plans to amend the Traffic Signs Regulations at present but the position will be kept under review."

Herewith a translation from Gobbldegook to English:

"We've been planning this for years and will do it as soon as we can get away with it; 50% of British drivers being metric educated is the best excuse we have come up with"


Tony Bennett