Harborough MP Welcomes New Bill To Clampdown On Illegal Traveller Camps

Harborough’s MP has welcomed the decision to give Police more powers to tackle illegal traveller camps.

The Home Office has announced a new offence of ‘residing in a vehicle on land without consent’, and legislation will also be strengthened to allow Police to remove trespassers as part of the forthcoming Police, Crime, Sentencing and Court Bill.

It will give Police powers to arrest people, hand out large fines, and seize vehicles and property if they refuse to leave, and offenders will not be allowed to return to the land in question for 12 months.

Neil O’Brien had been pushing for action after being contacted by constituents about the issue following illegal encampments in Market Harborough last year.

The MP spoke to Hfm:

Travellers illegally camped on the Commons Car Park in Market Harborough last October   Pic: Andy Carpenter