This code has been drawn up by the Northamptonshire Countywide Traveller Unit Consortium, to deal with managing unauthorised encampments set up by Travellers, in a fair and consistent manner.
In general terms any stay on council owned land will be time limited and dependent on the reasonable behaviour and co-operation of all -arties involved. Failure to comply with the code will result in action being taken by the Local Authority or the Police to move Travellers on.
The Local Authorities policy is in line with the requirements of the Department of the Environment Guidelines Circular 18/94, the guidelines of the office of the Deputy Prime Minister and The Home Office entitled "Guidance on Managing Unauthorised Camping".
Decisions by the Local Authority, as to whether or not to take immediate action through the courts to evict Travellers, are made having regard to its public duties and its obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998, the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.
What the code means
The code applies to all encampments on council owned land by Gypsies and Travellers who have a nomadic lifestyle for all or part of the year. Any stay on land will depend on the co-operation of the Travellers. Standards of behaviour should be the same as those expected of the settled community.
- Keep groups small, park vehicles safely and consider your own health and safety.
- Black bags for domestic rubbish will be supplied by the TLO and must be stored in a suitable location for collection by the council.
- Do not engage in acts of vandalism or criminal damage.
- Do not create a hazard to road safety or health and safety.
- Look after the land on which you park and do not cause problems for nearby residents.
- Do not allow the site or surrounding areas to become polluted with household, human or trade waste.
- Consider the dangers of fire, electrical cables and generators and passing traffic.
- Do not dump or burn rubbish and leave the land clean and tidy.
- Keep animals, especially dogs, under control.
- Co-operate with those responsible for the land (eg local authority officers) and do not park on land needed for another purpose, ie; Parks and Country Parks, Playing Fields and playgrounds and areas of special scientific or nature interest.
- Do not block Rights of Way with vehicles, property, clothes lines and cables or block the progress of walkers or riders in any way.
- Do not intimidate or threaten the landowner, his agents or any other persons having legitimate access to the land.
The Local Authority will give suitable consideration to the welfare and social needs of Travellers. The above applies to unauthorised encampments where criminal activity is not involved. Where there is evidence of such activity the Police will take appropriate action.
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
The police and Local Authorities have strong powers to enforce the removal of unauthorised encampments. The possible penalties for not moving on when directed to can be severe, ranging from vehicles being impounded, to fines or even arrest. If vehicles are towed away the owner can be charged with the cost of removing them and storing or disposing of them. The Local Authority can also undertake eviction, by obtaining a possession order from the Magistrates, County or High Court.
Moving on
When you leave a site either by your own choice or if you are required to move, please leave sites as you found it. The state in which you leave the site will be taken into account if you attempt to camp on a new sites.