Car-free Welsh streets under discussion to fight child obesity
Last updated 05/02/2009 21:19:59
The Dings in Bristol. This home zone gives priority to children over cars. Photo © Jonathan Bewley - Sustrans
Radical proposals to boost children’s health by creating car-free housing developments in Wales will be debated by Assembly Ministers, building contractors and architects.
Children’s Commissioner Keith Towler will chair a debate set up by Play Wales and sustainable transport charity Sustrans in an attempt to reverse the decline of children’s activity levels.
New research has shown that between 1973 and 2006, the proportion of children playing out on the streets fell from 75% to 15%.
The event will hear from Minister for Sustainability Jane Davidson AM, Millennium Centre architect Jonathan Adams of Capita Percy Thomas and representatives from groups including the South Wales Highway Development Control Forum and building contractor Leadbitter.
Sustrans and Play Wales will call on planning authorities to lead the UK in creating housing which gives a high quality of life for all its residents, particularly children and young people.
Sustrans Director Lee Waters said, “The lack of opportunity for children to play safely in their own street is causing an obesity epidemic which puts Wales near the top of the world’s fat league tables.