Making it easier to close roads is just one move that Play Scotland believes could help improve opportunities for children to play

A Scottish children’s charity has called for it to be easier for parents and communities to close off their streets to traffic to allow their children to play safer.

Play Scotland has teamed up with sister organisations from England, Wales and Northern Ireland calling on the UK and devolved parliaments to invest more in children’s play.

The Children’s Play Policy Forum has pleaded for an existing department of health-funded programme in England, which supports regular road closures in residential streets, to be extended to every city in the UK.

The charities say play has proven benefits to children, families and communities and called on the government to introduce the programme further afield as it helps parents and residents organise events by reducing red-tape around traffic regulations, consultation and insurance etc.

Marguerite Hunter Blair, chief executive of Play Scotland said: “Children have a right to play and we know that playing provides immediate and long-term benefits to children, young people and the wider community.

“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure children have opportunities to play at home, in school and in their communities.

“We are calling on all political parties to value play every day and provide resources for more play initiatives across the UK.”

The charities further asked for the need for play before school, during play/break times and after school hours to be recognised by investing in training for playtime support staff and suitable equipment.

Public parks, particularly in disadvantaged communities, also require investment to help reduce neighbourhood conflict and the pressure on police time the forum said.