This summer, streets across Westminster have come alive with play, activity, and community spirit through the launch of the council’s new Play Streets locations for 2025.  
A ‘Play Street’ is a permanent designation which provides priority over traffic for children and families to play in streets at specified times, safely and free of cars. 
This year, the first Play Street to open was on 4 August in Northumberland Place, where families enjoyed the freedom of traffic-free play right on their doorstep. Following its success, Kilravock Street and Ashmore Road also joined the programme at the start of September, welcoming even more children, families and young people outdoors. More happened across the city for Car Free Day (22^nd September), including Street Play sessions in Church Street and Capland Street.    
Led by local Street Makers, the sessions brought neighbours together and encouraged families to make the most of these safe, welcoming spaces. Children took part in activities with Everyone Active coaches, while Cycle Confident helped young people build cycling skills.  
Cllr Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities at Westminster City Council said: 
“We’re pleased to be able to launch this Play Streets scheme, which facilitates play, physical activity, leisure and sport opportunities outside for children, young people and families, literally on the doorstep of people’s homes. 
“There are lots of children and families who live along the same street who don’t get the chance to interact together, and these sessions allow them to do so safely and play on a traffic-free road.  
“This new scheme highlights the power of communities coming together to create cleaner, safer, healthier, and more active neighbourhoods across the city.” 
A resident who took part in the Northumberland Place Play Street said:   
“I just wanted to say thank you for the play street on Northumberland place. It has been such a good way to get the kids out of the house and active.  
 “It has also been instrumental in making friends with neighbours and building a real community spirit”  
The programme is designed to help residents feel more connected to the public highway and their neighbours, through physical activity. It also encourages safe play and improved air quality, as well as delivering the public health benefits associated with physical activity. 
Learn more about how to become a Street Maker and to engage in a Play Street session, and the overall scheme here: Active Streets Programme  
The three new Play Street locations – Northumberland Place, Kilravock Street and Ashmore Road -  join Luton & Fisherton Street in becoming a Play Street, so the council now has 4 locations up and running across the city.  
Notes to editors: 
Published: 22 September 2025

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