**Cardiff Launches ‘Play Streets’ Scheme Allowing Children to Play Safely in Local Neighbourhoods**
In a significant step towards fostering child-friendly communities, Cardiff City Council has unveiled a new initiative that enables residents to temporarily close their roads, creating safe spaces for children to play near their homes. The ‘Play Streets’ scheme aims to promote outdoor activity, restore communal spirit, and prioritise children’s wellbeing in the city’s residential areas.
The programme grants local residents the opportunity to apply for what is known as a ‘temporary street play order’. Once approved, this permit allows for the closure of a residential street for up to two hours per month, providing youngsters with a car-free environment in which to play, cycle, and interact with friends and neighbours. Importantly, this move is about more than just games; it seeks to create safer, healthier streets and facilitate neighbourly connections.
However, not every road will qualify for closure under the scheme. The council has clarified that only quieter residential streets, rather than major roads or those served by regular public transport, are likely to receive approval. This stipulation is designed to minimise inconvenience and ensure the safety of both children and the wider public. Organisers are urged to contact council officials at an early stage to confirm whether their street meets the eligibility criteria before submitting a full application.
Engagement with the local community is a key component of the application process. Residents who wish to take part must consult their neighbours in advance, discussing the proposal, building support, and addressing any concerns that might arise. It is also up to the organisers to agree upon a suitable day and time for the street closure, ensuring it has minimal impact on daily routines and maximises the benefit for local families.
Safety remains a top priority for the council. Applicants are required to recruit a minimum of two volunteer stewards for each access point, who will be responsible for managing traffic and ensuring the safe flow of residents’ vehicles during the closure. Depending on the layout and length of the street, more volunteers may be necessary. To help facilitate these events, Cardiff Council is providing support materials such as signage, cones, high-visibility vests, and whistles, as well as guidance on how to conduct risk assessments and handle logistics efficiently.
Importantly, the road closure does not mean a complete lockdown for residents who live on the street. Stewards will be in place to provide access to vehicles belonging to those residing within the closure area, maintaining a balance between safety for play and accessibility for residents. Council officials are expected to attend the opening session to ensure everything is running smoothly, offering hands-on assistance where required.
To further support organisers, the council is hosting Street Play Network meetings. These sessions provide a forum for participants to share their experiences, raise any issues, and put forward suggestions. By gathering feedback, the council hopes to refine and expand the scheme in future, offering yet greater opportunities for children citywide.
This initiative comes at a time when renewed emphasis has been placed on children’s physical and mental health, particularly following recent years in which outdoor play has been curtailed for many by the pandemic and other societal changes. By delivering simple yet effective solutions such as Play Streets, Cardiff demonstrates a commitment to making urban neighbourhoods more liveable, active, and socially cohesive.
Residents who are interested in organising a play street in their local area can find further details and application guidance via Cardiff Council’s website. With council support and community collaboration, Play Streets may soon become a regular and much-anticipated event in more of Cardiff’s neighbourhoods.