Closing down streets so children can play
Local communities in the UK are experimenting with 'Play Streets,' which involve temporarily closing residential roads to traffic to provide safe outdoor spaces for children. Campaigners are urging the government to adopt a national strategy to ensure children have adequate access to play areas.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing tension between urban traffic management and the developmental needs of children in densely populated areas.
Image caption, Temporarily closing residential streets to allow kids to play and socialise safely outside has proved beneficial for both children and adults
Seven-year-old Aydin is relishing the chance to play somewhere new. It's Colenso Mount, a street in the Holbeck area of Leeds where he lives, which has been temporarily closed to traffic to become a ‘Play Street’.
"Everyone can ride scooters and the boys over there play football which is very fun", he says excitedly.
As Aydin jumps a scooter over ramps set up in the middle of the road, children around him are drawing with chalk, blowing bubbles and kicking a football in a spot where cars are usually driving through.
It’s a rare chance for the kids in this neighbourhood to play outside together, in a space big enough to frolic and safe from traffic.
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