GLASGOW communities are getting a second chance in 2018 to turn their streets into traffic-free playgrounds.

In an unprecedented move, the council is repeating the offer of free road closures to residents, local groups and community-based organisations who want to turn their local roads into temporary fun-zones for local children.

It follows the huge success of the Street Play event in June this year, which saw the council facilitate 25 road closures across the city to allow communities to enjoy the benefits of a traffic-free day close to home.

Now, to mark this year’s International Car Free Day, Street Play will be available in the city for the second time this year,  on September 22 and 23.

Street Play fun in June at Waverley Park on the Southside

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, is delighted with the growing interest in Street Play and is encouraging groups across the city to take advantage of the offer.

Councillor Richardson said: “Street Play was a great success earlier this year as it gave neighbourhoods the chance to get together and really enjoy themselves. Ensuring the streets are car-free allows children to reclaim a normally forbidden space for themselves and run free for a day.

“I’m hoping that community groups and local organisers grab this opportunity to transform their community for a day. We are simplifying the application process so it as easy as possible for communities to take advantage of this offer.”

Applications require to be submitted no later than 11 September.

Any group or neighbourhood interested should email the council’s Land and Environment Services department on land@glasgow.gov.uk with information on what they would do with the space created by their road closure.

Support with the application process and also accessing the public liability insurance required for a Street Play day will be available through Glasgow Life’s Communities Team. Organisers will be expected to undertake an appropriate risk assessment for their play day.

The council will cover all costs associated with organising the legal orders that allow roads to be closed, as well as the traffic management measures that will ensure the road is closed safely and also the charge for public liability insurance.