Active Resistance to Metrication

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Active Resistance to Metrication (A.R.M.) is a British pressure group, founded in June 2001[1] with a membership of five, opposed to metrification in the United Kingdom (UK). A.R.M. state that their current membership is "in the dozens".[2]

A.R.M. are known for Direct action tactics such as the removing or amending of road and footpath signs whose measurements are expressed in metric units only which A.R.M. says are illegal. In 2002, as part of a campaign by the group, various road and footpath signs in metres which the group claimed contravened the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002, were removed by A.R.M. member, Tony Bennett.[3][4] He was prosecuted for an action in Kent where he removed about 40 metric signs. He was found guilty in May 2002 of theft and criminal damage by Maidstone Magistrates' Court.[5] In October 2002 his conviction for theft was overturned by Judge Keith Simpson at Maidstone Crown Court. Judge Simpson upheld the conviction for criminal damage but discharged the sentence, which had been 50 hours of community service.[6] Up to September 2004 Bennett was arrested six times as part of the groups campaign to remove metric signs which they claim are illegal. He was charged three times, but received only the one conviction in 2002.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b "Will we ever go completely metric?", BBC News, 2004-09-02. Retrieved on 2007-08-12. 
  2. ^ When and why were you formed? – and who are you?. Active Resistance to Metrication. Retrieved on 2007-08-17.
  3. ^ Statutory Instrument 2002 No. 3113 The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002. Office of Public Sector Information (2003-08-11). Retrieved on 2007-08-12.
  4. ^ Wendling, Mike. "Anti-Metric Sign Activist Faces Trial", Cybercast News Service, 2002-05-05. Retrieved on 2007-08-17. 
  5. ^ "'Imperial vigilante' guilty of theft", BBC News, 2002-05-22. Retrieved on 2007-08-12. 
  6. ^ "'Imperial vigilante' wins legal appeal", BBC News, 2002-10-31. Retrieved on 2007-08-12. 

[edit] External links