Closed petition: Mandate police to use S61 to move illegal encampments from unauthorised sites

Closed on 22 March 2026

Mandate police to use Section 61 (CJPOA 1994) to move illegal encampments as soon as relevant legal thresholds are met. Police must direct trespassers to leave, arrest those who refuse, and seize caravans and vehicles used in the occupation, without discretion.

We think the disruption to local communities is significant, and can often involve fear, antisocial behaviour, and criminal damage. We feel the rights of settled communities to live peacefully, without fear and intimidation must be protected by the police without fear or favour. We believe S61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is clear and should be enforced as soon as relevant legal thresholds are met.