Why does the UK drive in mph?

Why Does the UK Drive in Miles Per Hour (MPH)?

The United Kingdom is one of the few countries in the world that still measures speed in miles per hour (mph). This practice is a holdover from the country’s historical use of the imperial system of measurement.

The imperial system was developed in England in the 19th century and was eventually adopted by many of the British Empire’s colonies. The United States adopted the imperial system in 1866, but it gradually switched to the metric system in the 20th century. The UK, however, has retained the imperial system for many purposes, including road signs and speed limits.

There are a few reasons why the UK has chosen to keep the imperial system. First, it is a familiar system that has been used in the country for centuries. Changing to the metric system would require a significant investment in new road signs and other infrastructure. Second, the imperial system is still used in many other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This makes it easier for British drivers to travel abroad without having to adjust to a different system of measurement.

However, there are also some disadvantages to using the imperial system. The metric system is a more logical and consistent system of measurement, and it is used by the majority of countries in the world. This can make it difficult for British drivers to understand speed limits and other road signs in other countries.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to switch to the metric system is a complex one. There are both advantages and disadvantages to both systems, and the UK government has chosen to keep the imperial system for the time being.