Tough new government legislation banning travellers from camping on private land could save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The law would make ‘intentional trespass’ a criminal offence.
Under the proposals, families living on unauthorised encampments could face time behind bars, a hefty fine or the removal of their home.
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The legislation has already received cross-party approval in Oxfordshire after dozens of traveller groups set up camps on playing fields and car parks across the county in recent years, costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal bills and clean-up fees.
A canister left at Oatlands Road recreation ground in Oxford in 2018
Residents and councillors across the county have vented their frustrating at having little power to deal with the menace but the new legislation, being proposed by Home Secretary Priti Patel, could act as a deterrent to travellers.
Council staff clean up Water Eaton park and ride in 2018
If approved the new law would enable police to seize vehicles and arrest those who refuse to move on at the landowner’s request.
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People who breach it could face a three-month prison sentence and a fine of up to £2,500.
Travellers off Audlett Drive Abingdon in 2019
There have been frequent traveller visits to park and ride sites in and around Oxford, and to playing fields and private land in the county, in recent years.
In April 2019, one group of travellers refused to leave a football pitch in Abingdon.
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The fleet of about 20 vehicles was told to leave the site, off Audlett Drive, by Oxfordshire County Council's Gypsy and Traveller service, which was eventually forced to seek an eviction order at Oxford Magistrates' Court.
And council staff had to clean up a site at Water Eaton park and ride in 2018 after travellers visited on two occasions.
Redbridge park and ride in 2018
Currently trespassing is considered a civil offence, leaving landowners including councils to fight court battles if they want to remove camps.
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