Chief constable calls for introduction of transit sites to address unauthorised encampments

Nick Ephgrave said the options available to his officers regarding unauthorised encampments are limited, adding that the solution lies with local authorities setting up designated transit sites like those in surrounding regions.  

Between April 1 and August 14, more than 130 camps were reported to Surrey Police, leaving residents with “ill feeling and anger about a perceived lack of action”.  

While Mr Ephgrave understands the frustration, he noted that the issue of an unauthorised encampment is not a criminal matter, and the lead agency for implementing eviction is the local authority.  

Despite this, he said districts have significantly upped their game this year and have rehearsed effective procedures for assessing and evicting encampments in accordance with legislation.  

“The shortcoming is that under the only legislation that we can utilise, there is nothing to stop those evicted from simply moving 100 yards down the road and setting up camp there,” he added. 

“We then have to go through the whole rigmarole again and this is exactly what has happened this year, with repeated encampments as we follow groups round the county, creating further upset and disruption far and wide.” 

Under current legislation, officers can direct travellers immediately to a transit site, and if those on the encampment refuse to do so, or return to camp unlawfully elsewhere within three months they may be subject to immediate arrest.  

However, Surrey currently has no transit sites and so none of these powers are available. 

“An increasing number of surrounding counties have created designated transit sites and their experience has been that this significantly addresses the issue of unauthorised encampments,” Mr Ephgrave said.  

“Surrey, without any such sites, remains vulnerable to those who know the legislation and understand that the powers available to police are more limited, no doubt making Surrey an attractive venue for those who wish to set up unauthorised encampments.”  

Earlier this month, Surrey Police sparked outrage among Twitter users after Elmbridge Police posted a tweet that appeared to empathise with travellers despite concerns raised about their criminality. 

Villagers had complained about children’s scooters being stolen from playgrounds and ships were forced to close early due to shoplifting after travellers moved onto Long Ditton recreation park. 

The tweet read: “You say upsetting to endure, consider for a second, how upsetting it would be, being uprooted every few days. That’s why we always act in the best interests of all parties with proportionality and legality.”  

Surrey police and crime commissioner David Munro defended the post, saying it was an attempt to explain “that the police deal with all sections of the community, settled and travelling, fairly and impartially”.   

However, he admitted that the tweet is “potentially damaging the trust and confidence of the police in those affected”.  

Elmbridge Borough Council had the most reported camps in the past few months, with 32.