There will always be a number of people who will maintain a travelling way of life – because of family tradition, economic necessity or personal choice.
The London Borough of Hounslow wants to encourage respect and understanding for the travelling way of life, but we also recognise that this respect can only be encouraged if all Travellers give equal respect to the settled community.
Where there is unauthorised camping, steps will be taken to require people to move on. Where a short stay is necessary, the Council will expect the Travellers to co-operate to keep the site clean, and to control all animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Council’s Policy on unauthorised Travellers encampments?
Why do Travellers come to Hounslow?
Does Hounslow treat Travellers differently from other Councils?
Why are some unauthorised encampments there for so long?
Who else has the power to deal with unauthorised encampments?
Is anything being done to stop sites being used regularly?
How can the public help prevent unauthorised encampments?
What is the Council’s Policy on Unauthorised Travellers Encampments?
The Council does not tolerate unauthorised encampments of Travellers and is determined to act firmly but fairly. We have drawn up a joint protocol in conjunction with the police, and will follow this procedure in the event of any encampments. Where the encampments are on privately owned land, the onus falls on the landowner to take steps to evict the Travellers, but we will naturally provide advice and assistance.
The Council acknowledges the human rights of both the settled community and the Travellers, and asks for the co-operation and understanding of local residents in these matters.
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Why do Travellers come to Hounslow?
Recent years have seen an increase in encampments nationally, partly due to traditional links to rural areas becoming weaker as less casual work is available.
Hounslow in particular has been used as a stopping point for many Travellers for several years, and a number of groups have strong family ties in the borough. Additionally, Hounslow has better access to major roads and motorways than many other London boroughs.
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Does Hounslow treat Travellers differently from other Councils?
Although every authority will operate in a different way, all will conform to central Government guidelines. These recommend that; Councils should not use their powers to evict needlessly, and that these powers should be used in a humane and compassionate way.
As Hounslow operates within these central Government guidelines, we can only start eviction proceedings after a number of legal requirements have been satisfied.
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Why are some unauthorised encampments there for so long?
In most cases, unauthorised encampments on public land are moved within a few days. However, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 requires the Council to follow clearly set out steps. We must work within the law and there are no short cuts we can take.
Before proceeding to evict Travellers, the Council must have justifiable reasons for seeking an eviction, and be satisfied that there are no pressing welfare, housing and educational issues that need to be addressed.
Once welfare clearance has been obtained, the Council will serve a Direction instructing unauthorised persons to leave the site within 24 hours. If they don’t move we will serve a Court summons on each individual. Once the Court Order is obtained, eviction will commence 24 hours after it has been served.
This process can take an average of fourteen days, but the Council normally move encampments within seven days.
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Who else has the power to deal with unauthorised encampments?
Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, the Police have powers if public safety is threatened, criminal acts are committed, or if more than six vehicles are involved. These powers however, are discretionary and local authorities have the lead role in the process.
For encampments on private land, landowners may deal with unauthorised access by making an application to the County Court. The Council does not usually act to evict Travellers on privately owned land – but does offer advice.
Is anything being done to stop sites being used regularly?
We aim to make public parks and open spaces as secure as possible.
We have increased the security of sites where they are responsible, but unfortunately options are limited. For example: moats and pits can create dangers for children, particularly if they get filled with rainwater.
Mounds and bollards can prevent vital maintenance vehicles gaining access to council sites. Additionally, a minority of irresponsible Travellers have, on occasions, broken gates or fences to gain access and this is especially difficult to prevent.
However, we are committed to continually evaluating and securing vulnerable sites, as far as is practicably possible.
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Why is nothing being done to prevent the fly tipping and fouling that often takes place in encampments?
The Council condemns this behaviour, for which there is no excuse. All Travelling communities should behave responsibly, just as other sections of society should.
As only individuals, not groups, can be prosecuted under the country’s litter laws, if we cannot identify a responsible individual, the landlord is accountable for site clearance. Therefore, when public land has been used, the Council will undertake to clear the site of any rubbish as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The Council does consider providing refuse and sanitary facilities where there is an unauthorised encampment, but this is not always appropriate. We are also working towards better co-operation with Traveller groups to encourage communities to be more responsible.
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How can the public help prevent unauthorised encampments?
One of the ways in which the public can help is to remain vigilant. If you see any suspicious activity, call the Police immediately. Residents living in close proximity to parks and open spaces should be particularly aware of potential signs of unauthorised entry, such as missing or damaged fence panels, chains or padlocks, or any missing barriers. Any member of the public should report signs of unauthorised access to the Travellers Liaison Officer.
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