Hounslow Council teamed up with transport charity Sustrans and two local schools in the borough to host Play Streets sessions to mark World Car Free Day on Friday, 22 September.
Published: Friday, 22nd September 2023
The events took place outside Ivybridge School in Isleworth and Strand on the Green Junior School in Chiswick between 3-5pm. The streets outside of the schools were closed to vehicular traffic during this period, with residents invited to come along and enjoy the afternoon with their families and local community.
The session featured crafts, play, refreshments, music, and importantly, the chance for residents to discuss the role of Play Streets and School Streets in their neighbourhoods. Sustrans is working with both schools to co-design School Streets in partnership with local residents.
These events were held on World Car Free Day to give residents the opportunity to experience their neighbourhoods with fewer cars on the road.
Will Norman, Mayor of London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “It’s wonderful to see the children and families playing freely in the street outside their schools. Play Streets is a great way to kick off the School Street design process to make these streets beautiful places for local people to enjoy, and where children and families can safely walk, scoot and cycle to and from school. This supports our aim to continue building a greener and fairer London for all.”
James Cleeton, Sustrans London Director, said: “It’s always great to see people prioritised over motor traffic, especially outside schools, where the street environment should be a safe and pleasant place for children and families to spend time at school pick-up and drop-off times”.
“Hounslow’s Play Streets clearly show how opening streets for people transforms them into sociable places where people can meet, chat, play and enjoy spending time in their neighbourhood.”
Councillor Katherine Dunne, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport, said:
“The Play Streets events provided residents and the school community the chance to enjoy communal spaces with family, friends, and loved ones, as well as sparking an important discussion around the liveability of our neighbourhoods including providing feedback on the School Street schemes at both schools.
“I would like to thank all the residents and families who joined us for the events, it was a great turnout.
“As a Council we are committed to making the borough as liveable, clean and green as possible, and resident feedback is crucial in shaping this.”
To read more about the Play Streets scheme and how you can apply to host them on your street, click here.
