Streets to make space for play

The strategy will push local authorities to oversee a radical expansion of Home Zones - areas where cars are restricted and speed limits are cut to make it safer for children to play outside.

It will also encourage the lowering of speed limits in residential areas to 20mph and revise planning rules to make public spaces more play friendly.

Alan Sutton, policy and development officer at London Play, said the plans would be welcomed by play workers. "We've just finished a three-year project on Home Zones and we would like more of them. Fear of traffic is the single biggest reason why parents don't let children out to play," he said.

The strategy will seek to make the carbon-neutral eco-towns being built around the country "beacons of good practice in play". The government will also announce plans to create a major play development at the site of the London 2012 Olympics once the games are over.

The play strategy is one of several major policy announcements being made by the Department for Children, Schools and Families on Thursday at a gathering of directors of children's services. The meeting will also see the launch of the Children's Workforce Action Plan, which will set the direction for improving the work and status of the entire children's sector.

Ministers will also reveal how £190m will be allocated to help build or refurbish youth clubs.

Additional reporting by Cathy Wallace.