Hundreds of traveller caravans pitched in Doncaster

New legislation could threaten the nomadic traditions of Gypsies and traveller communities by criminalising unauthorised encampments, the Friends, Families and Travellers charity warned, as it called the proposed measures "draconian".

Currently passing through Parliament, the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would see police given greater powers to tackle such encampments, including the right to seize vehicles and impose heavy fines on those trespassing "with intent to reside".

In July, there were spaces for 130 caravans at local authority and privately owned sites in Doncaster, according to the Government's latest traveller caravan count.

Data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities shows there were 423 traveller caravans in the area in July – up from 326 in July 2019, when the last summer count took place.

Of those counted this year, 32 were on unauthorised pitches.

Across England, 21,000 traveller caravans were on approved pitches at the first count since the coronavirus pandemic began – almost 90 per cent of those counted.

However, the figures show 3,000 were on unauthorised encampments, with most of those situated on land belonging to travellers and Gypsies.

The number of caravans parked up on other unapproved sites has dropped by a third nationally since the last summer count was conducted in July 2019.

But the FFT says it gives no indication of the number of people waiting for approved pitches.

The charity estimates hundreds of people could be waiting for a space across England, while the figures show just two new socially rented pitches were created nationally between July 2019 and July 2021.

The introduction of new legislation could have a "chilling" impact on those currently residing on roadside camps and those who wish to live nomadically, according to FFT.

Abbie Kirkby, public affairs and policy manager at the charity, said the count failed to capture a "grim lack" of safe stopping spaces.

She said: "It tells us the number of vehicles, but nothing about the people and stories behind them.

"With the Government’s policing bill making its way through Parliament, Gypsy and Traveller people living roadside will soon be caught in a catch-22 of potentially facing prison or being forced to move into bricks and mortar."

​In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.