Cardiff residents can reclaim the streets for their children by asking for streets be closed to traffic for two hours a month so that youngsters can play outside safely. Under an initiative by Cardiff Council known as 'Play Streets', locals can apply for ‘Temporary Street Play Order’ to shut roads at a specific time and day each month, while children play outside with the supervision of their parents or carers.
The council has said that while the roads will be closed to through traffic, residents will not be prevented from parking, arriving or leaving the street during the set period of playtime, and residents moving vehicles will be marshalled in or out of the street by stewards. The resident-led scheme, supported by charity Play Wales, centres around the importance of play for children's health and wellbeing and allows "children to enjoy free play, close to home without having to be transported by adults".
It comes as charity says on its website that there has been a reduction in the number of children playing in streets and outdoor areas near their homes due to fears over road safety. The project is also designed to foster "community cohesion" and friendships, between not only children but also adult neighbours, who can work together to set up a play street. You can read all our Cardiff stories here.
