Villages are cut in half by traffic ... streets should be an integral part of local life

Ben Plowden, Pedestrians' Association

Local people will enjoy breakfast in the street while children play skittles and attempt moves on a giant chess board.

The association wants to create streets where people can meet and walk in comfort and ease.

Campaign organiser Ben Plowden said: "Streets should be an integral part of local life.

"We need to reduce traffic danger and create well-kept public spaces.

'User friendly' streets

"All communities are affected.

"Villages are cut in half by traffic. Town centres are all too often empty and threatening after dark. City streets are full of rubbish and overshadowed by the fear of crime."

The manifesto calls for "a radical re-classification" of Britain's roads to take account of walking, shopping, playing and socialising.

With a new classification, the Highways Agency and local planners would audit and re-design streets to reflect many different social functions and needs.

The association points out that examples of user-friendly streets already exist in Britain, including a revitalisation of Birmingham city centre, 20mph speed limits in Hull and a project in Camden, north London.