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.
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The council will provide residents interested in the scheme with the following:
- Assistance with the application to set up a play street
- A guide to a risk assessment, recruiting stewards, dealing with drivers and answering questions about the scheme
- A visit from the council to the first first session, to ensure it runs smoothly
- Street Play Kit including: signage, cones, hi-vis jackets, whistles and information for stewards and organisers
- Reminders to re-apply
The authority adds that it will run 'Street Play Network Meetings' for organisers to "discuss issues and find resolutions, answer any new questions, and bring forward suggestions". Not all streets - such as main roads and bus routes - will be suitable for the scheme, and residents must consult and gather support from neighbours prior to applying for a street play session, which will run at the same time and on the same day every month.
The street play kit donated by the council must also be used at every session, and there must be two volunteer stewards at each closure point along the road. To find out more information about the requirements and apply for the scheme, visit the Cardiff Council website.
