Play streets could return to Salford

Image credit: Kevan on Flickr, used under CC BY 2.0

Play streets could be introduced in Salford in an attempt to allow children to play more safely.

Salford’s Play Streets first came into action in the 1930s, when Salford’s Chief Constable brought the idea to the city after success in the US.

Now, Salford City Council is preparing for a return of the initiative, where residents can request street closures of up to four hours, to allow their children to play in the streets without the fear of busy traffic in the area.

Councillors meet next week to decide whether to approve the scheme. Applications from residents would require at least 60 per cent support from neighbours, with the council report stating: “Roads should only be considered if they are cul-de-sacs or through routes with low traffic numbers and a suitable alternative for traffic.”

The genius of Salford’s new low traffic neighbourhood is the placement of planters which have create short sections of completely traffic free streets perfect for play! pic.twitter.com/cIfykwpmP7

— Catriona Swanson (@CatrionaSwanson) July 19, 2020

Forty eight streets were originally closed between 8am and sunset in the Adelphi area on the launch of the plan in the 1930s. The majority of these streets have now been demolished.