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Organising a Play Street event: step by step

A play street is a neighbour led, temporary road closure that creates space for children to play and communities to connect, with applications due several months in advance depending on the start date and valid for multiple sessions across the year.

A play street means neighbours agreeing together to open their street for play and community activities – and to close it to through traffic – temporarily but regularly for a maximum of three hours.

This is an opportunity so that children can play while adults get to know each other better. You can make it happen on your street, and we can help you!

Your application must be submitted by the following dates for each calendar year. If the first session falls between:

  • 1 January to 31 March submit the application by 1 October
  • 1 April to 30 June submit the application by 1 January
  • 1 July to 30 September submit the application by 1 April

It takes three months for a Traffic Regulation Order to process

The event will take place on 1 June covering a full calendar year. You can book multiple dates on the same application.

Steps

  1. Understand what a Play Street is

    A Play Street is a temporary, resident‑run road closure that lets children play safely outside with council approval.

  2. Check if your street is suitable

    Before applying, make sure your street isn’t busy, has no planned works, allows a diversion and still permits emergency access.

  3. Talk to neighbours and build support

    Consult neighbours about your Play Street plans and address concerns, noting that full agreement isn’t required unless there are serious safety or access issues.

  4. Complete a risk assessment

    Identify risks and explain how you will manage them.

  5. Apply to the council for permission

    Apply online by submitting your consultation letter, risk assessment and event dates.

  6. Run the Play Street

    Set up and supervise the Play Street, keep access clear, then tidy up and remove barriers afterwards.