Park Lane homeless camp set to be cleared by TfL

Transport for London said Park Lane is not a safe place for people to sleep rough

Legal action has been taken by Transport for London (TfL) to clear a strip of land in the middle of Park Lane in central London occupied by homeless people.

The land is managed by the transport authority, which was granted a possession order by Central London County Court last month.

TfL said of the dual carriageway by Hyde Park: “Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough, and our focus is on the safety and welfare of everyone involved."

On a recent visit to the encampment, about 15 tents were visible, as well as items including tables, a shopping trolley and a washing airer. Two men at the site said about 40 people were living there.

Next stages

It was not clear how long the encampment had been there.

A TfL spokesperson added: “We are now ready to follow the next stages of the legal process towards gaining possession of the site in consultation with our partner agencies.”

One local business asked why the tents could not be relocated, adding the area was being used "not only to live in but as a lavatory".

TfL said it was “closely monitoring” the situation and working with partner agencies to prioritise the “safety and welfare of everyone currently sleeping rough there”.

St Mungo's, a charity that works with people experiencing homelessness in London and other cities, said: “Our clients have often faced overlapping challenges, like poor mental and physical health, substance use issues, social isolation, unstable family relationships and trauma.

"Social stigma makes sleeping rough more likely, and even more dangerous.”

In 2021, Westminster City Council staff had to clear piles of rubbish and dismantle tents after a previous encampment left the same Park Lane strip of land.

It was thought to have been occupied for about seven years.