Streets could become car-free
Residents in south Norwich can apply to shut their streets to allow their children to play outside safely after school.
Norwich City Council has welcomed the idea, agreeing to keep “red tape to a minimum” if any residents want to apply.
But the council will levy a fee for the closure.
Local Green councillors put the idea of allowing road closures for a few hours after school to the city council. As reported last month, the idea has been successfully trialled in Bristol, allowing children to play out on their streets, without needing to worry about traffic.
In response, councillor Bert Bremner (Labour, University), cabinet member for planning and transport said: “As a child born in the late 40s, brought up in a cul-de-sac in Tuckswood [..] I had the wonderful experience of playing in the streets with the mass of other baby-boomer friends. [..] I would suggest that if there are groups interested in taking forward a similar project in Norwich that they contact the network management team who would be happy to advise them and to keep the red tape involved to the absolute legal minimum.”
The road closures would follow similar legislation to street parties, which was recently simplified ahead of the Royal Wedding and made far cheaper, down from £850 to £36.
Anyone who would like further information can contact the Network Management Team on 0344 9803333.
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