One set of cast-iron finger post signs in black and white in Edmonton (see previous report by Peter Chorley on 9th February) were amended yesterday.

The signs are on the north-east corner of the junction of the A10 and Angel Road, Edmonton, just north of 'The Angel, Edmonton' (close to the all-hours Muslim grocery store). They previously showed distances to eight nearby locations in metric distances of up to 840 metres. These distancs have now been obliterated by two coats of black Hammerlite metal gloss paint. I have to concede that because the metric distances stand proud it is still possible to see the distances in some lighting consitions, even thought they're now in black not white. But half a loaf is always better than none.

Compulsory metrication of signs will never be beaten from an armchair or keyboard alone.

Another Englisman

There are in fact two signs at this junction one is diagonally across the road to the other

A point of information:

Note that the description of this location is incorrect. The junction in question is where the North Circular Road (A406) meets Fore Street (A1010), which is about a mile east of the large roundabout where the A406 meets the A10.

Arrangements are now in hand for the _permanent_ improvement of the cast-iron finger-post sign on the north-east corner of this junction. The report of a second sign in the area has been noted and similar arrangements will be made for that one in due course.

Eight aluminium metal plates have been purchased from an engineer in the Epping Area. Four are 2.5" x 5.5"; the other four are 7.375" x 5". They are being painted over with Hammerite black metal gloss paint. A set of attractive, reflective lettering in white has been ordered from Prismo Signs (who do much work for local authority Highways Departments), 1.5" high, in Times New Roman - of Department of Transport standard.

The distances will be nice, sensible English distances, e.g. '1/4 mile', '100 yards', '600 yards' - none of the absurd precision of the current metric distances, e.g. '290m'.

A suitable industrial glue has been purchased to make it well nigh impossible to remove the new English plates. Total cost of the materials will be around
£40 - £50.

It is intended to set a date - probably a Friday evening at around 6pm in 2 or 3 weeks' time - to carry out the work; we hope to invite local anti-metric friends to attend. Photos will be taken of the attractive finished product and be given to the local press.

Another Englishman

As a temporary measure, the second sign on the south-west corner of the A1010/North Circular junction in Edmonton has had its metric distances in white covered over with black paint. In addition, several layers of parcel tape have been placed over all the metric distances on _both_ signs and appropriate distances in miles or yards written on the tape in permanent marker. They are perfectly legible. Passers-by were universally in favour of the new British distances being shown. One made comments about the metric signs that could not be displayed on a family noticeboard

Another Englishman

I am informed that this week's 'Enfield Advertiser' has a prominent colour photo, plus story, showing the Edmonton metric signs covered over with all the distances displayed in yards and miles (see previous postings).

Remember that this job is hopefully to be made permanent this Saturday at 3.00pm

Another Englisman

A recent operation on the fingerpost signs on the north-east corner of the North Circular Road/A1010 junction at The Angel, Edmonton, has resulted in attractive black-and-white metal plates being superimposed on the previous metric distances. The industrial glue used to clamp on the plates was ideal and will virtually guarantee that no attempt is likely to be made by the Council to remove them.

Another Englishman

I have heard indirectly that the Highways Agency's agents (Mouchel) who erected the signs are to replace at least one with signage using imperial measurements. So far, I have confirmation that this is to be done with the sign on the SW corner of the junction; I shall be making further enquiries regarding the NE one.

Today six metal plates bearing British distances were erected on the 'second' fingerpost sign i.e. the one on the SW corner of the North Circular Road (A406) and the A1010 at the Angel Edmonton, thus replacing the earlier temporary parceltape amendment. The Council and the local press will be informed.

Another Englishman

I have checked the position with Pippis Costias (sic), Chief Engineer at Mouchel. He said that Transport for London had asked him to get three estimates for erecting new plates for the signs in Imperial. However, it was difficult to get estimates just for plates and he had only got one so far. He also said it was not absolutely certain as to whether Transport for London was now responsible for the signs. Apparently they were 'handed over' to Enfield recently. And Enfield conceded that although the work was carried out by Transport for London, they were fully involved in what the signs should say. When I asked LB Enfield Traffic Engineer Richard Woodford why they had been authorised in metres, the answer I got was: 'The person who authorised them has left now and I don't know'.

When told of the unofficial alteration, Mr Costias' initial response as : 'Gosh, you've saved Transport for London an awful lot of money'.

Another Englishman