Can ball games be legally played on a public road?
Aside from the legal issues it is not safe for children to play on roads. This can also cause a nuisance for lots of people in the area who are wary of driving down the street for fear of knocking over a child or getting their cars damaged. Putting aside possible traffic or public order issues, it is generally an offence to play ball games on a public road/street, if it is to the annoyance of residents and other users of the street. It is an offence created as a bye-law by the local council. This may not apply to every street, there could be some designated as ‘play streets’ (and similar), where games are allowed, and the bye-law may not exist at all in some towns. If this is is a problem in your street, then contact your local neighbourhood policing team who will be able to offer advice and assistance.
