Unauthorised traveller encampments

We recognise and accept the rights of the travelling community. Our aim is to manage all unauthorised encampments on council land with consideration. We recognise the need to balance the rights of the occupiers with the rights of the community to enjoy open spaces.

Current unauthorised encampments in Woking

We are not currently aware of any unauthorised encampments in Woking.

Report an unauthorised encampment

If you have seen or have a problem with an unauthorised encampment, you can report it to us:

Email: environmental.health@woking.gov.uk 
Telephone: 01483 755 855

During out of hours (1pm to 9am), call the police on 101 or report unauthorised encampments using the online reporting form - Surrey Police.

It is important that you report any anti-social behaviour or illegal activity to Surrey Police. 

Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 - Legislation.gov.uk, the police have powers to remove trespassers and their vehicles. It is for the police to decide if these powers should be used. They can only be activated under certain circumstances when there is significant impact on the local community.

Encampments on council land

The law places certain responsibilities on local councils when dealing with unauthorised encampment on council-owned land. This includes considering the welfare of those on-site even if unauthorised. 

The process is outlined below.

• We receive notification of an unauthorised encampment.
• Our officers and Surrey Police visit the site as soon as possible to carry out legally required welfare assessments, such as health and safeguarding checks. These must be addressed before enforcement action can take place.
• We consider the appropriate notice to serve and applies for a court time if required. The notice is served as soon as is practicable.
• Should the occupiers fail to leave by the specified date, a second court application must be made for a Section 78 order to remove the unauthorised encampment. (The time scale for this is largely dependent on the courts.)
• A hearing is held at a magistrates’ court (typically Guildford or Staines), who will decide whether to grant the order.
• If successful, we will remove the unauthorised encampment with the assistance of bailiffs. Occupiers must be given 24 hours notice of intended action.

We have an excellent record of dealing with unauthorised encampments. However, how quickly we can request an area be vacated is limited by court times, police availability and the legislation itself.

After occupiers leave, we ensure all waste is removed and any damage is repaired.

Encampments on private land

Encamping on someone's land without their consent is unlawful. In certain circumstances it is not just a breach of civil law, but also criminal law. 

If an unauthorised encampment moves on to private land, we can advise the landowner on what action to take. They can:

• attempt to agree a leaving date with an encampment representative
• obtain a court order to evict them

Authorised sites for travellers

Surrey County Council manages sites for traveller families at:

• Hatchingtan
• Burdenshott Road
• Worplesdon

Find out more about gypsy and traveller sites - Surrey Council Council.