Residents can transform their roads into play streets for World Car Free Day in September, by applying to have their road closed and requesting play equipment – all for free.

Car Free Day is all about encouraging families and neighbours to come together and enjoy a weekend of playing and getting together outdoors.

World Car Free Day is Friday 22 September, and it will be marked across London over the weekend of Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September.

To help get the party started, Ealing Council is waiving road closure fees and making the application process as quick and easy as possible.

The first 30 applicants will also receive a play kit complete with toys and games to help get Car Free Day off to a good start.

Any street can apply to take part, providing it isn’t a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle route. Also, roads that are part of the Ealing Half Marathon route will not be eligible for Car Free Day closure on the Sunday. Residents need to apply on the council’s website by 8 September 2023.

Councillor Mason, leader of Ealing Council, said: “Car Free Day is a lot of fun. It also brings neighbours out of their homes and allows everyone to enjoy their street in a safe way.”

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, said: “Car Free Day is all about the council working with residents to make our streets safer and healthier for children and families. It also encourages us all to think again about using the car if we don’t need to, so that we can help reduce air pollution and fight the climate emergency.

“I do hope as many Ealing families as possible will take part in what looks like it will be a fantastic, fun weekend.”

London Play, which organises the annual event, is encouraging people to take part by running a ‘Swap your Car for a Space hopper’ campaign by providing free play equipment like space hoppers, toys and games to the first 100 streets that get in touch.

Everyone who registers with London Play can also access lot of really useful advice on planning their day and be entered into a prize draw to win a free go-kart build and race workshop.

Last year, the council launched its Travel in Ealing Charter outlining how it will work with residents to improve local transport projects and reduce the level of polluting vehicles on its roads.

Among the commitments is an investment of £35m in improving roads, tracks and pavements. At least £10m will be invested in increasing cycling, walking, running and scooting through active travel schemes.