Ever wish your children could play outside and make new friends safely?
The Play Out Pompey scheme provides a great opportunity for children to play in a safe, traffic-free environment. In a play street, the road is temporarily closed to all but essential vehicles. Play out sessions are community-led events which transform the street into a safe play area. Children can cycle, run, skate, chalk, skip, hopscotch, and create their own games!
Adults also benefit from the chance to interact with each other, building a real sense of community among neighbours.
You can choose to make it a one-off event or a regular one. Our road safety team will provide you with:
- training,
- road closure signs for the street,
- templates for letters to neighbours, and
- posters to advertise the event.
They’ll also help you to evaluate the event after it’s taken place.
Once your application is processed, we’ll create a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO). This allows us to restrict traffic in your road for a up to three hours.
Who can still drive on the road
During a Play Out Pompey event, the road will be closed. Residents will still be able to use their vehicle if they need to leave or park on the street. They’ll have to to drive at walking speed while a volunteer steward escorts them.
Essential vehicles, will still have access,. This includes:
- emergency services,
- school transport,
- blue badge holders, and
- carers of residents who live in the street.
Some streets can’t be closed to be used as a play street because they’re classed as ‘priority routes’. This happens if they’re needed for buses, deliveries, and other necessary vehicles. You’ll be able to see if your street is eligible on the application form.
How to apply to create a play street
To apply for a three-hour road closure, you should submit a request using our online form.
You’ll need to apply at least eight weeks before your preferred date. This will give us enough time to process the road closure.
You’ll also need:
- A full risk assessment
- A consultation which shows that at least half the households on this road support the plan
- Proof that you have at least two volunteer stewards at each point that the road is closed
Once you’ve submitted your form, one of our team will get in touch and we’ll aim to get you out playing within three months.
Why are play streets important
Playing outside is important for children to develop their mental and physical health. It also encourages them to explore creative play with other children, forming friendships and creating lasting memories.
A group of Bristol neighbours started play streets in 2009. Now they’re popular across hundreds of communities the UK. As well as providing a fun space for children, playing out sessions are a great opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other. It helps form supportive communities.
For more information about play streets, including guides and templates you might need, visit the external Playing Out webpage.