Driving association amazed at 'close roads on Sundays' suggestion

Public health minister Anne Milton MP has proposed banning cars from streets on Sundays to allow children to play in them. The move, she said, would help get youngsters off their computers and enjoy outdoor physical activities. With two-thirds of UK children predicted to be obese by 2050 if current trends continue, outside play is seen as a way of tackling the problem.

In a Parliamentary debate on the subject of obesity, Ms Milton described the idea as ‘outstanding’ and revealed that she had been speaking to a health minister from Colombia, where roads are closed on Sundays. Ms Milton said that she accepted that the scheme would not work everywhere.

Far from judging the idea as outstanding, the Association of British Drivers (ABD) declared that it was ‘amazed’ by the suggestion. Said ABD Chairman Brian Gregory: “It’s not so long ago that the government assured us it was ending the war on the motorist. We pay several times over to use our roads, not be banned from them. Suggesting unnecessary restrictions on our freedom will achieve nothing.

“Has Ms Milton also considered that many people drive out with their families for sporting and other healthy leisure activities on Sundays? She should concentrate her attention on encouraging healthier diets, as obesity is caused by excessive calories, not car use.”

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