A Z-list GB News presenter has received backlash after taking to Twitter to claim that pedestrians are 'guests' within the city of Milton Keynes.
The Deputy Political Editor & Presenter, Tom Harwood, has taken to Twitter to claim that Milton Keynes 'gets the public realm 180 degrees the wrong way round'.
Sharing an image of one of over 300 underpasses, Harwood wrote that pedestrians are the 'guests in this city. A secondary consideration.
'They have to duck and dive to make way for the convenience of motor vehicles.'
The tweet, which was shared on Sunday morning, has since received responses from key figures within the city and residents who say they disagree with the statement.
Milton Keynes gets the public realm 180 degrees the wrong way round.
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) April 30, 2023
Pedestrians are the guests in this city. A secondary consideration. They have to duck and dive to make way for the convenience of motor vehicles. pic.twitter.com/D39bZSl1XH
One person replied to Harwood sarcastically stating that he would 'prefer standing on the side of the road waiting 15 mins to get across each time,' to which the presenter said he'd prefer if the main streets were for humans and cars use the underpasses.
I’d prefer it if the main streets were for humans and cars use the underpasses.
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) April 30, 2023
Conservative Councillor for Newport Pagnell North and Hanslope is one of those who responded to the tweet stating:
"Tom gets Milton Keynes 180 degrees the wrong way round.
"Our grid system works perfectly, keeping motorists and cyclists and pedestrians separate.
"Not much traffic and rarely the need to cross a road."
Tom gets Milton Keynes 180 degrees the wrong way round.
— Liam Andrews (@liamandrewsmk) April 30, 2023
Our grid system works perfectly, keeping motorists and cyclists and pedestrians separate.
Not much traffic and rarely the need to cross a road. https://t.co/kc9kCdsYgw
Another person responded that it was an 'absolutely abysmal take'.
Absolutely abysmal take. Milton Keynes is extremely safe for pedestrians because they are kept away from dangerous roads. 200+ miles of segregated bike redways too for cycling experiences 10x safer than chancing the roads. Better than nearly everywhere else in the UK. https://t.co/gHXQZ4lXNN
— Paul Lucas (@paul_winginit) April 30, 2023
Disagree with this actually. Walking back to my hotel in Milton Keynes was pleasant because no waiting to cross the road. The underpasses are also very wide which makes them brighter and less claustrophobic. https://t.co/hiL0yitmBr
— Kev 🇬🇧🏡 (@kevinf567) April 30, 2023
You’ve got this absolutely backwards. Milton Keynes is an example of how it’s possible to keep pedestrians safe from traffic, and one of the only cities in the UK that makes it easy to get around on foot without having to climb a bridge or wait at a crossing (and thereby cause…
— Brad Philpot 🏎🏁 (@BradleyPhilpot) May 1, 2023
Haven’t lived in Milton Keynes for a while now, but can safely attest that this hot take is completely the wrong way round.
— Sameer Gharat (@supersam5) May 1, 2023
In MK, pedestrians don’t have to “request permission” by pressing buttons at traffic lights and don’t have to be at mercy of motorists at zebra crossings. https://t.co/04LJxxRehj
Other Twitter users, like local photographer Gill Prince, have been encouraging residents to respond with photographs of MK's redways and footpaths.
Come on MK network, do your thing! Let’s show this clueless chap what Milton Keynes redways and footpaths are all about 😊 @scenesfromMK @DestinationMK @mkfuturenow @My_MiltonKeynes @TheParksTrust @KeynesiaMilton @Citizen_Sally @mkfm @kentomkinsmcdmk #LoveMK https://t.co/yGZstnWaOM pic.twitter.com/DT65qTdUoB
— Gill Prince 💙 (@GillPrincePhoto) April 30, 2023
There are over 300 underpasses across MK, connecting the residential and industrial area through the redway network, making the amount of times a pedestrian needs to cross a road is minimal.
The city also has over 200 miles of shared-use paths, known as Redways.
The traffic-free network covers most of the city estates with some Redways extending out to connect to the older towns.
Despite the many critical responses, some have taken to Twitter to agree with the presenter's take on the city.
Wow the replies to this are very odd. You're spot on - and there's a big process of conversation and change required for MK to evolve for the future as it is now. Many people extoll the redways without looking at the actual data.
— David Lewis (@davidaglewis) April 30, 2023
What are your thoughts on the debate? Let us know by tweeting us @mkfm or email us at info@mkfm.com
