Jones. We’re changing the way we describe gradients on road signs
Oh. Why? I thought everyone liked the ratio method?
No.
But using a ratio meant it worked with every measure? One in four works whether you use metres, yards, whatever.
But lower numbers are higher.
Wot?
Well Jones, one in four is actually steeper than one in ten.
Erm, yes.
Well that’s the problem Jones. It’s hard to understand.
It is?
Yes. A higher number should mean it’s steeper.
But. That’s maths sir.
Well the public can’t understand it Jones.
Oh.
We’re going to use another system.
Oooh - like just quote the angle of climb? Like 10 degrees, or 20 degrees? Yes I guess everyone could understand that.
No, we’ll quote it as a percentage.
A percentage?
Yes. 100% is steeper than 50%. Twice as steep.
Yes ok. But 100% is what? Vertical? So 50% would be 45 degrees?
No, we’ll never build a vertical road you idiot. 100% will be 45 degrees.
Oh. Why?
Cos it’s a ratio of one in one. One in one is 1, so we’ll call that 100%
Oh, I thought no-one could understand ratios?
Shush. So that’s agreed then. 100% will be 45 degrees.
Ok, so something like 15% then is <taps calculator> 6.75 degrees?
Yes.
And people will easily understand that?
Yes.
Erm.
