Plaid Cymru councillor Mohammed Islam is calling for it to be made easier for roads to be closed in Cardiff so children and young people can play outside safely.
The Riverside councillor wants the council to consider following a trial scheme backed by Bristol City Council.
Bristol has given the green light for more frequent road closures for a few hours after school by groups of neighbours and communities, without having to apply for permission each time. They only need to make one annual application as long as all the neighbours are consulted.
A Temporary Play Street (TPS) Order permits a group of residents to close a road on a regular or scheduled basis for a period of up to a year in order to allow supervised children’s play without the potential danger and inconvenience of through-traffic. The order is a trial currently running from September 1, 2011 until September 1, 2012.
Councillor Mohammed Islam, who chairs the council’s economic and culture scrutiny committee, said: “I’ve made an official request to Lisa Ford, the council’s executive member for traffic and transportation, to look at the initiative in Bristol where people can apply at no charge to make their streets available for play. At present, I understand there is a £200 charge in Cardiff for road closures.
“I am currently chairing a task and finish group which is covering children’s play grounds and safe play outside the home was something I identified needed to be looked at. It would be great if children in Cardiff could play safely in their street they live. Young people need to be given the freedom to play outside safely, for their health and happiness and I believe it could also address concerns of anti-social behaviour.
“I’m sure that parents would welcome the opportunity to organise play activities in a safe environment,” added Councillor Islam.
