Unauthorised camping

About this service

We own parcels of land in exactly the same way as any other private landowner. In its capacity as local Highway Authority, the County Council has a legal duty to... "assert and protect the rights of the public to the use and enjoyment of any highway for which they are the highway authority". (s.130, Highways Act 1980).

Overview

We endeavour to achieve two primary objectives when responding to reports of unauthorised camping, in accordance with an adopted Policy Statement:

  • To balance the rights and needs of resident communities with those of Gypsies and Travellers.
  • To manage unauthorised encampments in an efficient and effective way, ensuring that the Council's response is fair and proportionate and takes account of the level of nuisance, fear and intimidation for local residents and the rights and responsibilities of Gypsies and Travellers.

Incident Reporting

Any reports of unauthorised camping incidents occurring upon land owned by us, or on the public highway, should be directed to the Highways Enforcement & Traveller Services Manager, telephone: 01225 713562.

It should be noted that "The council will not normally take action in respect of private land" as stated in its adopted Policy Statement.

Inter-Departmental Protocol

Officers representing the various departments of the council regularly exchange information about Gypsy and Traveller issues in accordance with an Inter-Departmental Protocol.

Some of this information is subject to regulation by the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Protocol should be read in the context of an attached Disclosure Statement.

Contact Details

Email: environmentalservices@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 713411 (Helpline)
Fax: 01225 713400
Postal Address:
Traveller Services
Wiltshire Council
County Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JD

Last updated: 9 March 2009