Play streets can create a sense of community, while allowing children to make friendships, be active and play safely in the streets where they live.
Apply
You can apply for:
- a regular event – for example, once a month
- a one-off event – for example, on a national day like Clean Air Day or Car Free Day
Download, fill out and return the application form by email or post. Please include:
- the completed form
- a list of signatures/houses you've spoken with
- consultation evidence
- a map of the proposed area
It's free to apply for a play street.
After you apply there is a 21 day consultation period for members of the public to comment and say if they support or oppose the application.
Before you apply
You should apply at least 6 weeks before the event.
You must:
- let your neighbours know – you can use the template letter in the application form
- complete a resident survey form for each house in the closed section of the street – this is included in the application form
- make sure you have friends and neighbours to help on the day
What we do
Posters
You can download the following posters to help advertise your event:
Equipment
If your application is successful we can provide:
- traffic signs that say the road is closed
- cones
- high visibility waistcoats
- lanyards for all the stewards
- street closure instructions
These items are free. You'll need to store them for recurring events.
Advice sessions
We offer information sessions on how to:
- apply for a play street
- consult with neighbours
- steward an event
- run an event safely and practically
- manage a road closure
Suitable streets
Play streets should ideally be on:
- quiet residential streets
- cul-de-sacs
Unsuitable streets
The following are not suitable play streets:
- main roads
- bus routes
- bus diversion routes
- blue routes (emergency vehicle routes)
- roads where there are roadworks
For a list roads that cannot be closed see our unsuitable play streets .
Street closure times
Streets can only be closed:
- for up to 3 hours
- during daylight hours (for recurring events closure times can be changed depending on the time of year)
- on the days and times agreed on the application
Further information
For more information on play streets see: