Minister suggests road closure as means of tackling obesity

Date: 9/5/2011

By closing some UK roads to cars on certain days of the week, young people would be able to play outside safely, according to one MP.

Anne Milton, Public Health Minister, made her comments during a debate at Westminster, after revealing that she had heard about a similar scheme in operation in Colombia.

She explained that every Sunday certain streets in the country are closed to allow everyone to play safely in them - an idea she claimed was "outstanding".

However, Ms Milton noted that she accepted such an initiative would not be suitable everywhere, but that it could be effective in some areas.

Meanwhile, on May 18th campaigners in Rayleigh are urging parents to leave their car in the garage when they head out on the school run.

According to the Essex Echo, nine education establishments in the town and nearby Hullbridge and Hockley have signed up to the initiative.

Margaret Spencer, Chairman of Rayleigh Town Council, said: "We want to encourage and promote walking some or all of the way to school for the children's health and to reduce congestion around schools."

Posted by Sarah Bailey