In April 2025 London Sport placed questions relating to MORE BALL GAMES on the Opinium omnibus. We found that ‘No Ball Games’ signs are commonplace, and that removing them can polarise opinion.
- One-third of adults in England recall there being a ‘No Ball Games’ sign within a 5-minute walk of their home.
- The restrictions created by ‘No Ball Games’ signs are predominantly felt by the youngest in society.
- In urban areas of London over half of residents recall such a sign near them. Their most frequently stated impacts are:
- fewer spaces for children to play outside (stated by 23%)
- signs leading to tensions between neighbours (11%)
- having to travel further to play sport (10%)
- Whilst 4-in-10 Londoners in urban areas support the removal of ‘No Ball Games’ signs near their homes, 3-in-10 would oppose their removal. Their concerns relate to noise, damage to property, and safety. A considered approach is therefore required.