Child-friendly traffic spaces
The design of public traffic spaces has profound impacts on the development and well-being of children and young people. It plays a decisive role in determining whether, and to what extent, children and young people can use public spaces and move freely in them.
The increase in traffic in recent decades means that public spaces have become less accessible for children and young people. This is reflected in a decline in children’s and young people’s independent use of and movement through public spaces. Vehicle exhaust fumes, noise and the complexity of high-traffic areas are having negative impacts on their well-being. On roads with heavy traffic, children and young people must also constantly focus on safety so as not to endanger themselves or others. This stands in contrast to the playful ways in which children learn about their surroundings. Whether and to what extent children and young people are able to move through public spaces also depends on their social status in society. Families with low socioeconomic status often live closer to high-traffic areas. Children and young people who live near busy streets and intersections must cross dangerous streets more frequently. They are also less likely to have play areas and meeting places that they can reach safely and on their own. Their risk of being injured is higher and they have limited opportunities to move around and play freely outdoors.
UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children and young people are protected, nurtured and involved, including with regard to public traffic spaces.
