Find out more about Unauthorised Encampments
What you need to know
Unauthorised Encampments (UEs) arise when a group of people move vehicles onto land that they do not own and live there. This is particularly relevant, but not exclusive, to the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community who traditionally travel in the summer months.
In response to the increased impact of UE's, Surrey County Council is exploring the development of a transit site.
Working with the police and our role
We work with Surrey police to respond to UEs in the borough. We're usually the first to arrive at any UE and we:
- speak to the occupiers
- make initial assessments and issue a code of conduct to all occupiers
We have safeguarding responsibilities for those in the encampment. We carry out a welfare assessment before considering any formal action. We have the power to ask the encampment to leave the land within a certain timeframe. If this does not happen, it's an offence, and we can then apply to the Magistrates' Court for an Order requiring the removal of the UE. The Order permits us to remove the encampment with the help of bailiffs. In most cases, this is not necessary. UEs will normally stay up to seven days once they have arrived.
Surrey Police have new and more robust powers to remove UE's. There are set criteria that need to be met to use the new policing powers to remove a UE. "The offence will be committed if a person who resides or intends to reside with a vehicle on land fails to leave the land or remove their property without reasonable excuse when asked to do so and they have caused, or are likely to cause, significant damage, disruption, or distress." This means the UE cannot just be an annoyance to the local community; the police must demonstrate there is enough evidence that the criteria are met. The decision to use their powers, will be at the police's discretion.
In some cases, moving a UE on will cause more harm as they may move to a less suitable and/or safe site. We have no alternative site in Surrey so are unable to direct the UE to that location. Using these powers may cause a bigger impact on the community and the police must always ensure that the action taken is justified and necessary.
We understand that a UE can cause concerns for residents. We want to reassure you that we will use our powers as quickly as possible in line with the legal process. Surrey police will use their enhanced powers available as they have done recently, when it's appropriate to do so.
Landowners are responsible for dealing with UEs on their land.
Reporting crime or anti-social behaviour (ASB)
Reports of crime, ASB and disorder are monitored. Anything that is linked to the UE is identified and collated. In an emergency, call 999.
Report an incident online (opens new window)
Further information and guidance
- Read our update on Unauthorised Encampments and a potential transit site in Surrey (opens new window)
- Find out more about powers to tackle Unauthorised Encampments (opens new window)