Car Free Day 2023: neighbour letter

Neighbour consultation letter

Resident consultation response sheet

Play street poster

UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets

Publications Category: Templates

 

Once you and your neighbours have decided on dates and times for your play street, you will need to formally let everyone on the street know and give them the opportunity to share their views.

Some councils require a certain level of support to be demonstrated (eg more than half of households in favour); others only ask for evidence that you have informed everyone who is affected by your play street plans and put the onus on those not in favour to explain why.

In our experience, the vast majority of people (over 80 per cent) asked will be happy about the idea of their street becoming a play street. Some will be neutral, and often (but not always) a very small minority may be against it.

Download and adapt the template letter below.

NEIGHBOUR LETTER_CONSULTATION
NEIGHBOUR LETTER: CONSULTATION
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Some councils require evidence that you have consulted your neighbours face to face and collected signatures. If you need to do this, we have a sheet which you can download and adapt, here.

It might seem daunting at first but going door to door is a great way to meet your neighbours, raise awareness and support for your play street. Take some flyers and some children with you to help.

“Hi! We live on the street and are asking neighbours what you think of an idea for all getting to know one another a bit better. Have you heard about play streets?”

CAR FREE DAY 2021: RESIDENT CONSULTATION RESPONSES SHEET
CAR FREE DAY 2021: RESIDENT CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Got the go ahead? Fantastic! Now make sure everyone on the street knows!

Adapt and download this poster – you can put it through everyone’s letterbox, pin it to the  lampposts or display in windows on the street in the leadup to the day.

“Let’s see what happens on our street when the traffic stops for a few hours!”

Make sure you put someone’s contact details on the poster so potential helpers can get in touch or any issues can be dealt with in advance of the event.

CAR FREE DAY 2021: POSTER
CAR FREE DAY 2021: POSTER
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Most councils will want to see evidence that you have consulted with your neighbours about your play street proposals. Here’s a letter you can adapt and post or hand to everyone on your street.

The letter includes a tear-off response slip that your neighbours can use to give their views.

CAR FREE DAY_NEIGHBOUR LETTER
CAR FREE DAY_NEIGHBOUR LETTER
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Once you’ve got a couple of allies, you should tell others on your street about your idea and give them the chance to share their views.  Inviting everyone to an on street meeting is a good place to start.

If you choose to meet outside your front door you can bring a pot of tea to share with your neighbours while you chat.

“Could our street become a play street?”

Download the meeting invite template below and adapt for your street.

INVITE TO STREET MEET
INVITE TO STREET MEET
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Some councils require evidence that you have consulted your neighbours face to face and collected signatures. If you need to do this, we have a sheet which you can download and adapt, here.

It might seem daunting at first but going door to door is a great way to meet your neighbours, raise awareness and support for the idea of regular play streets. Take some flyers and some children with you to help.

“Hi! We live on the street and are asking neighbours what you think of an idea for all getting to know one another a bit better. Have you heard about play streets?”

RESIDENT CONSULTATION RESPONSE SHEET
RESIDENT CONSULTATION RESPONSE SHEET
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Use this poster to advertise your play street to neighbours and visitors.

Once you have permission from the council to go ahead, make sure everyone knows about it. This downloadable poster can be adapted to suit your street.

“Let’s get to know each other over a cuppa! Bring out a chair, perhaps a pot of tea. Encourage children to bring out scooters, bikes, chalks or ropes to share.”

PLAY STREET POSTER
PLAY STREET POSTER
Covid
UPDATED: Risk benefit guidance for post-lockdown play streets
To help residents minimise the risks of spreading Covid-19 on a play street as much as possible, London Play has compiled this risk-benefit guidance and template, based on those used in professional play settings.
Read More

Free tips and resources

RESOURCES FOR ORGANISERS
 

Updated 15 June 2021

Play streets: a risk benefit approach in the time of Covid-19

The aim of this document is to build the confidence of residents, with suggestions in how to balance the (low) risk of transmission with the considerable benefits that play streets bring to children in particular, but also to adults and the wider community.

It is clear that for the vast majority of children, the benefits of allowing them to play together outside outweigh the risks.

This risk-benefit guidance and template is based on those used in professional play settings. In such settings the Health and Safety Executive recognises risk-benefit appraisals as satisfying the legal requirement for risk assessments. This approach does not seek to completely eliminate risk, but balances the risks of engaging in activities against the benefits derived from them.

This guidance is based on advice from the government regarding necessary precautions to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Originally published on 30 June 2020, it has been updated several times to reflect latest government guidance.  London Play will endeavor to update it again as government advice changes.

TEMPLATE/GUIDANCE: post lockdown play streets
London Play Press Releases
Join the pledge! Summer of Play
24 MAY 2020: London Play is one of  many organisations behind a campaign to ensure that every child has the space, time, and freedom to play this summer as Covid-19 restrictions are eased
Read More
London Play in the news
Joy to return to city streets
16 MAY 2020: London Play will be bringing joy back to the city streets this summer as part of the Mayor's 'Let's Do London' campaign, to encourage Londoners and visitors back into the capital.
Read More

How does it work in your borough?

London is as diverse as it is wonderful and so it follows that the process for starting a play street varies a bit between boroughs. Click through to our interactive map and find out how it works where you live.
PLAY STREETS BY BOROUGH