Council waives fees to encourage Play Streets for family fun

Families in Richmond upon Thames are again being invited to come out and play as part of Car Free Day on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, with a scheme aimed at encouraging children to play outside in their streets. 

Residents can apply to close their roads to through-traffic for up to four hours. To encourage celebrations we are waiving the usual administration fees for street parties.

The Play Street programme is part of a London-wide campaign by London Play and Transport for London. London Play is offering free spacehoppers (or other play equipment) to the first 100 streets that apply. Also, everybody signing up will go into a prize draw to win a free go kart build and race workshop to be run on their event.

We are also offering small grants of up to £50 which can be spent on play equipment or refreshments (excluding alcohol) on the day. This grant is only available for the first 30 play streets so get your application in early!

To host a play street, residents need to get permission to have their street closed and will need to speak to their neighbours in case there are any objections. 

Residents will also be responsible for organising and supervising events, including ensuring someone is present to allow safe access if required for residents’ cars and emergency vehicles. Any street can apply, providing their street isn’t a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle route. 

View Play Streets for more information on how to apply. Applications must be submitted by Thursday 31 August 2023 for September 2023 events.