Numerous studies have shown that children want to play outdoors, near their homes, but are prevented from doing so by traffic and safety concerns. The project has worked to overcome such barriers, by supporting communities to transform their streets into positive and safe environments in which children and young people can develop and play.

Safer streets
Home Zones for London consulted with children in Brent (Sept 2005) about playing in their neighbourhood. In response to a question about what stops them playing outside, over 50% named traffic as a reason.

Studies show that local authorities that introduce 20mph zones experience significant decreases in child fatalities in traffic accidents. Reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures are both integral features of home zones and completed schemes in the UK consistently show reductions in traffic speeds and volume.

Permission to play
Generating a shift in perception about what and who streets are for has been an essential element of the project. Communities exploring the potential of home zones have come to realise that streets do not have to be places simply for cars to pass through and park. They can be attractive and welcoming environments allowing for multiple uses such as children's play and social activities.

The process of neighbours coming together to identify potential solutions to problems in their street can be beneficial to children's outdoor play. Neighbours come together and meet, often for the first time, building a sense of community and belonging and thereby reducing fear. As a result children can feel safer being out in their streets and neighbourhoods. They are effectively given "permission to play" in these spaces previously off limits.

Children and young people in public space
On a wider scale, the Home Zones for London project has promoted the concept of playable spaces - the idea that play should be designed for throughout the public realm. Children and young people naturally want to play in a variety of spaces, not just in designated areas such as playgrounds. They need to be recognised as active users of public space and have their needs and desires included in design considerations.

Childhood obesity and home zones
The Tackling Childhood Obesity conference in 2007, organised by the cross-government obesity team, featured a workshop on home zones.

Find out more about the Obesity Programme: link.

Download a summary of the workshop below.