PICTURES: Inverness kids enjoy traffic-free street games as Crown residents embrace PlayStreet initiative backed by Highland Council
Traffic-free streets in the Crown area of Inverness thronged with the sound of children playing as part of a trial project backed by Highland Council.
Youngsters with bikes, scooters, toys and even the odd fluffy pony were given free rein in Charles Street without fear of danger from traffic.
The three-month pilot PlayStreet event, following a successful trial last year, saw the street closed to cars, vans, trucks and buses for three hours.
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It allows children to play freely on the street that Sunday, while encouraging adults to come out and chat with their neighbours.
The event was organised by Emily Williams, bicycle mayor of Inverness, and Rebecca Robertson, a trustee of the community organisation Crown Connects.
After the road closed at 10 am, children took to the street while parents were able to grab a cup of tea and a chat.
A stomp rocket toy proved popular and everyone really enjoyed trying to make a coke and mentos rockets.
The street was also soon covered in chalk drawings and lots of the adults joined in on a game of hopscotch.
Play Streets have become increasingly popular nationally with short resident-led road closures restoring children’s ability to play directly on their doorstep, promoting good health, happiness and sense of well-being and belonging.
It was inspired by memories many adults have of playing on the street, before the increase in the number and size of cars on Scotland’s roads changed safety perceptions.
Research shows that children are happier and more physically active on a Playstreet than they would be on a normal day.
Mrs Williams said: “It has been lovely to be able to run another playstreet event and it is always so rewarding to see children occupying the street for play.
“I love the infinite creativity of children to come up with new games and it is lovely seeing them making new connections with other kids on the street.
“We have been working with the council’s active travel team over the last few months to try and find a way to implement playstreets that are accessible to parent groups.
“These trial events on Charles street are a vital first step in that process. I’m really excited about the prospect of being able to open up this scheme in other streets in the near future.”
More information on play streets then refer to the playing out website: https://playingout.net/
A second pilot event is planned on Sunday, November 24 between 10 am and 1pm, with the following road closure: Charles Street between its junction Ardconnel Street and with Denny Street.
In May, 2024 members of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee voted to adopt a new active travel strategy, with a commitment to support communities to run Play Streets.
Through evaluation of that, the aim is to develop a standard application system for the Highland area.
