Proposed Play Street - Narcissus Road

Overview

Proposed road closures on Narcissus Road to facilitate a new Play Street

 The Council is writing to seek your views on its proposal to prohibit traffic through Narcissus Road for the street to be used by children for play (Play Street), as designated by Section 29 of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1988.

The Play Street scheme is an initiative set up by a charity called London Play and the Department for Health. The aim of the play streets scheme is to reclaim road space to allow children to play which supports the needs of children for informal play, learning and development as well as physical activity. Camden has already designated several Play Streets in various wards across the borough, which are very popular, and a number of Play Streets are in operation across London. 

This scheme addresses the twin problems of traffic danger and parents’ confidence by helping local residents to close their streets for play on a regular basis. Children have an opportunity to play on traffic free streets safely whilst creating community cohesion for wider residents.

Play Streets also meet a number of the Council’s objectives such as improving air quality, as the temporary closure acts as a deterrent for vehicles using the street.  This promotes the use of more sustainable forms of transport, which in turn helps to reduce congestion.

The Council is proposing to close Narcissus Road, from number 30 at the junction with Glenbrook Rd, to the Pandora Road junction, on the second Sunday of each month between 14:30 and 17:30.  The operation of the road closures will be undertaken by local residents via the use of freestanding ‘road closed’ signs combined with advance warning signage and barriers.

Parking bays will not be suspended and access to adjacent properties will be maintained by marshals, who will allow for entry and exit of vehicles belonging to residents during the time the street is closed. This scheme is being proposed as result of the Council receiving an application with an accompanying petition from local residents, to close Narcissus Road, and designate it as a Play Street.  The proposed play street closure is illustrated on the plan below.