Government plans crackdown on illegal Traveller sites

The Government will today outline plans to toughen up laws against unauthorised Traveller camps in a bid to address fears over antisocial behaviour.

Housing Minister Dominic Raab will initiate a government review of the laws dealing with the growing number of unauthorised caravan sites in the UK, including a consultation on whether police and council officials have enough enforcement powers over travelling communities.

According to latest figures, around 3,700 caravans are parked illegally in the UK, says The Guardian. Local residents often raise concerns about antisocial behaviour linked to such camps, including fly-tipping and noise, say ministers.

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The new proposals are expected to tighten up laws relating to “aggravated trespass”, dealing out harsher sentences for those illegally entering land, intimidating landowners and "substantially" damaging land.

Raab said: “The vast majority of the travelling community are decent and law-abiding people. But, we are particularly concerned about illegal Traveller encampments, and some of the antisocial behaviour they can give rise to.

“We must promote a tolerant society and make sure there are legal sites available for Travellers, but equally the rule of law must be applied to everyone.”

The review will also look at the negative effects of illegal camps on the health and education of the Travellers who live in them.

Yvonne MacNamara, chief executive of the Traveller Movement, said: “We hope that this consultation addresses and deals with the lack of authorised and safe sites available to the Gypsy and Traveller community.

“A lack of funding and political will over many years has perpetuated a severe shortage of sites, which in turn has perpetuated illegal encampments with nowhere else to go.

“The Government needs to realise that addressing this issue will in turn address the issue of illegal encampments.”