Traveller evictions from private land take one of two routes: common law enforcement or a court possession order. Speed depends on the route chosen and the delay before instruction. Delay raises the cost of clearance, repair and legal work.
Landowners remove Travellers from private land by common law eviction through enforcement agents, or by applying to court for a possession order. Common law eviction can clear a site within hours. Trespass is a civil matter in most cases, so police involvement is limited to criminal offences.
Below: the two eviction routes, what the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 changed, what a clearance costs, and what to do in the first hours of an encampment.
Key Points
- Common law eviction can clear a site within hours, while a court possession order takes longer.
- Trespass on private land is a civil matter in most cases, so responsibility for removal falls to the landowner.
- Police powers under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 apply where damage, disruption or distress occurs.
- Costs rise with delay – damage on late-instructed sites has exceeded £500,000.
- Recording evidence and avoiding confrontation are the first steps when an encampment appears.
The Statistics Show the Challenge Is Growing
Recent government data demonstrates that unauthorised Traveller occupation remains a significant issue across England. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s January 2025 Traveller Caravan Count, there were 27,273 Traveller caravans recorded across England, a 2% increase on the previous year. While 85% were located on authorised sites, 4,016 caravans were on unauthorised land, representing a year-on-year increase of 8%.
More notably for private landowners and local communities, there were 340 caravans on unauthorised encampments on land not owned by Travellers, a 13% increase compared with 2024. These are the encampments most likely to result in legal disputes, enforcement action and eviction proceedings.
The figures suggest that despite existing enforcement powers, the problem of unauthorised occupation has not disappeared. In some areas the issues continues to grow, particularly during warmer weather
Recent Legal Changes Have Strengthened Enforcement Powers
One of the most significant legal developments in recent years was the introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The legislation created a new criminal offence relating to residing on land without consent in certain circumstances and expanded police powers to direct individuals to leave land where significant disruption, damage or distress is being caused. These powers also allow police to seize vehicles in qualifying cases.
Supporters of the legislation argue it provides landowners and communities with stronger protections and quicker remedies when unauthorised encampments cause serious problems. Critics contend that tougher powers do not address the underlying shortage of authorised Traveller sites. Regardless of the debate, the direction of travel from policymakers has been clear: stronger enforcement mechanisms are now than were available a decade ago.
ILocal authorities and private landowners continue to make use of civil enforcement, injunctions, possession orders and High Court enforcement measures to remove unlawful encampments more efficiently.
The Cost of Inaction
Every unauthorised encampment creates a financial and administrative burden. Landowners must dedicate staff and resources, and are often left facing legal costs, security expenses and potential loss of income from land that cannot be used as intended.
Indeed, on some sites where Strikes have been instructed several days after the Travellers have arrived, the damage has exceeded in excess of £500,000. Whether that be damage to buildings or fly-tipping, it can very quickly escalate to obscene levels.
Acting fast can mitigate some of these damage costs, and it’s important to instruct quickly, and to instruct a firm with experience of these situations. That’s why local authorities and landowners have been instructing Strikes for years. With our use of the latest technology in drones, and body cams, landowners are assured of a speedy resolution using the full force of the legislation in a professional and timely manner.
With more than 4,000 caravans now located on unauthorised sites across England, the scale of the issue is no longer isolated to a handful of local disputes. It has become a recurring challenge that requires a consistent national response.
Why Faster Evictions Matter
Protracted disputes or time taken to decide on action rarely benefit anyone. Delays often increase legal costs, raise tensions and lead to higher clean-up or damage costs.
A clear and effective eviction process provides certainty for landowners.
A Balanced but Firm Approach
A shortage of authorised sites cannot justify unlawful occupation of private or public land. Every community is expected to operate within the law, and the same principle should apply consistently across society.
The most effective approach is likely to combine:
- Swift and consistent enforcement of trespass and unauthorised occupation laws via the correct routes.
- Greater availability of authorised Traveller sites.
- Stronger planning enforcement where breaches occur.
- Improved engagement between councils, landowners and Traveller representatives.
Costs
Costs can vary greatly, and will depend on the size of the encampment. Our fixed-fee service for evicting Travellers has proved very popular. In particular for our use of technology for evidence gathering, our swift mobilisation of enforcement agents and England-wide coverage.
In some instances, clients pay nothing, meaning our Traveller Eviction service is free of charge. If you are unsure on if you qualify for the free traveller evictions, speak to a member of our team
Security
Once the site is clear, it may need security measures put in place to prevent repeat occupation. This could be the use of concrete blocks, our SIA static guards, or our SIA and NASDU dog handlers. All are fully trained, insured and experienced in highly volatile situations.
All sites that our guards protect come with a Free Traveller Eviction service guarantee, giving landowners extra peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Evict Travellers From Private Land?
If Travellers have occupied your private land without permission, they are generally considered trespassers. As a landowner, you may be able to use common law remedies for example through certificated enforcement agents like us, or apply for a possession order through the courts. Sometimes a two-pronged approach may be necessary.
Acting swiftly is key, as delays increase damages and therefore costs.
Can the Police Remove Travellers from Private Land?
While the police do have powers to deal with unauthorised encampments in certain situations, their involvement is typically limited to cases involving criminal damage, serious disruption, anti-social behaviour or other offences. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 expanded these powers, but in practice many police forces continue to treat encampments as a civil matter due to operational demands and resource constraints. Consequently, landowners often need to rely on professional enforcement agents to carry out lawful evictions and restore possession of their property as quickly as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Evict Travellers?
The timeframe for evicting Travellers depends on the legal route being pursued. In some cases, a common law eviction can be carried out relatively quickly, sometimes within a matter of hours. By contrast, obtaining a possession order through the courts can take longer, depending on court availability and the specific circumstances of the encampment. However, where there is clear evidence of serious property damage, anti-social behaviour, criminal activity, or significant disruption, it may be possible to seek accelerated court action and secure a possession order more quickly than under the standard process. Acting swiftly is often the best way to minimise disruption, reduce costs, and prevent the encampment from becoming more established.
Is Trespassing a Criminal Offence in the UK?
In most cases, trespass on private land is a civil matter rather than a criminal offence. This means that responsibility for removing unauthorised occupiers often falls to the landowner through civil legal remedies. However, where an encampment results in significant damage, anti-social behaviour, disruption to the local community, or other criminal activity, police may have powers to intervene under legislation such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. The distinction between civil trespass and criminal offences is frequently misunderstood, leading many landowners to expect immediate police action when, in reality, enforcement often requires civil proceedings and the involvement of professional Enforcement Agents.
What Is the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022?
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 introduced stronger enforcement powers to help authorities deal with unauthorised encampments. The legislation created a new criminal offence of residing on land without the owner’s consent in certain circumstances and expanded police powers to direct individuals to leave land and, where the legal criteria are met, seize vehicles associated with the encampment.
The purpose of these measures was to provide greater protection for landowners, businesses, and local communities affected by unlawful encampments, while giving police additional tools to respond where significant disruption, damage, or distress is being caused.
For further information, see the UK Government’s guidance on unauthorised encampments.
Can I Remove Travellers Myself?
Landowners have legal rights under common law to deal with trespassers and unauthorised encampments on private land. However, attempting to remove Travellers or trespassers without professional assistance can expose landowners to unnecessary legal liability, safety concerns, and potential disputes. To ensure the eviction process is carried out lawfully, efficiently, and in accordance with current legislation, many landowners choose to seek legal advice or instruct qualified Enforcement Agents with experience in Traveller evictions.
As every unauthorised encampment presents its own challenges, obtaining professional guidance is often the safest and most effective way to regain possession of private land while minimising disruption, costs, and the risk of legal complications.
How Much Does It Cost to Evict Travellers?
The cost of evicting Travellers from private land can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the unauthorised encampment, the legal action required, the complexity of the eviction process, and any clean-up or repair work needed once the site has been vacated. Alongside legal and enforcement costs, landowners may also incur expenses for additional security measures, waste clearance, fly-tipping removal, and the restoration of damaged land or property.
For many landowners, the financial impact extends beyond the eviction itself. Taking proactive steps such as installing barriers, improving site security, and responding quickly to unauthorised encampments can help reduce the risk of future occupations and minimise long-term costs. Seeking professional advice at an early stage is often the most cost-effective way to protect your land and achieve a swift, lawful resolution.
What Should I Do if Travellers Move Onto My Land?
If an unauthorised encampment appears on your land:
- Stay calm and avoid confrontation.
- Record evidence of the occupation.
- Contact Strikes Property Services.
- Notify the police if there is criminal damage, threats, or public safety concerns.
- Consider legal action promptly to avoid escalation.
Acting quickly often provides the best chance of a successful resolution.
