News Release Page Title

9 June 2006

NEW UNAUTHORISED CAMPING LAW COMES INTO FORCE

The new law to control unauthorised encampments in Northern Ireland will come into force next month.

Social Development Minister David Hanson today announced that implementation date for the Unauthorised Encampments (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 will be July 19. Its enforcement had been delayed to give the Housing Executive time to provide a number of sites across the province.

The Order gives the police power to direct people who camp illegally to leave land and to remove their vehicles and other property in certain circumstances. Those who refuse to comply may have their vehicles seized and, if prosecuted, face imprisonment and a fine of up to £2,500.

The Minister said:

"We found strong support for these measures during our public consultation period and they are similar to the legislation that already exists in England and Wales.

"I am aware of concerns about the availability of alternative sites. As a measure of protection for Irish Travellers, the police will be required to consult with the Housing Executive about the availability of suitable sites when determining the level of action that should be taken in each case.

"I believe this is a fair and balanced approach. Taken together, these measures should eliminate a recurring source of tension between members of the settled community and the Traveller community."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Unauthorised Encampments (NI) Order 2005 completed its Parliamentary stages on 19 July 2005. However, the Minister decided to defer implementing the Order until an adequate number of transit or emergency halting sites was provided for Travellers.

  2. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is responsible for developing housing schemes to address the needs of Travellers and for the provision and management of serviced and transit sites. The Executive has assessed that an adequate number of sites will be in place in the next few weeks.

  3. The Order is obtainable from the Stationary Office Bookshop, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast, BT1 4GD. The Order is also available on the Department's website www.dsdni.gov.uk

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