A nomadic way of life is not against the law. Periodically groups of Gypsy/Travellers resort to the County, often settling on local authority owned land. Within Essex we have a policy for the management of unauthorised camping, which is the Code for Travellers in Essex. The Code applies to all land in local authority ownership, although private landowners may well instigate their own eviction action.

The Code for Travellers in Essex

Subject to the satisfactory assessment of the following factors, Essex authorities will not normally pursue an order for the removal of vehicles from any land on which they are stationed for a period up to 28 days.

• The 'gypsy' status of occupants of the caravans. For the purpose of this Code 'gypsy' means persons of nomadic habit of life, whatever their race or origin, who wander or travel for the purpose of making or seeking their livelihood and does not include persons who move from place to place without any connection between their movement and their means of livelihood and does not include members of an organised group of travelling showmen or of persons engaged in travelling circuses, travelling together as such.

Travellers, other than gypsies as defined above, will be moved on subject to their welfare needs being assessed.

• The number of caravans involved. The maximum number normally acceptable will be 3 caravans in any one group although slightly larger groups may be permissable in locations remote from residential or commercial premises.
• The distance between groups. The minimum distance between groups of travellers shall normally be half a mile.
• The occupation of any land shall not have a serious effect on the amenities, otherwise cause nuisance to, the occupants of any adjacent property.
• No damage shall be caused to any property, fences, trees etc. on that or adjacent land.
• The behaviour of the travellers to other people shall be acceptable i.e. no intimidation especially where this constitutes a hazard to public health, nor any stockpiling of materials.
• No fires shall be lit on any land other than for cooking or washing purposes.
• Vehicles shall be parked, and any animals kept, in such a manner so as to cause no inconvenience or affect on the safety of users of the adjacent or nearest highway.
• The occupation of local authority or other statutory authority land or agricultural land shall not impede its necessary operational use or, insofar as parkland or other public open space is concerned, shall not detract from its amenity value.
• Once the agreed period of occupation has elapsed then the distance moved must be a least two miles from the site occupied. Re-occupation of the same site must not take place within three months.