Police use new powers on unauthorised camps

In June 2022, the government made changes to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which gave forces new powers and strengthened some of their old ones

Sussex Police said it has used new powers to deal with unauthorised traveller encampments 39 times since they were introduced two years ago.

In June 2022 it was made an offence for someone over 18 to reside on land without the owner’s consent and have, or intend to have, at least one vehicle with them.

The powers have made police able to arrest people and seize equipment, including vehicles, in relation to the offence.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said traveller encampments can be “a challenge" for local authorities and the police force.

At a performance and accountability meeting with police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, Ms Shiner said Sussex Police were one of the first forces to use the new powers.

She said the 39 uses related to 122 encampments across the whole of Sussex, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Ms Shiner said Sussex is one of just a few counties which has traveller transit sites – plots of land where travellers can stay in the area for short periods.

In Sussex there are three: Westhampnett, in the west, Bridie’s Tan in Lewes, in the east, and Horsdean in Brighton.

The Chief Constable said the sites were often 90% full.