We recognise and accept the rights of the travelling community, together with all ethnic groups who have a particular culture, language or values.
Our objective is to manage all unauthorised encampments on council land with consideration, recognising the need to balance the rights of the occupiers with the rights of the community to enjoy open spaces.
Report an unauthorised encampment
If you have seen or have a problem with an unauthorised encampment, you can report it to us.
Email: environmental.health@woking.gov.uk
Phone: 01483 755 855
During out of hours (1pm to 9am), please report unauthorised encampments to Surrey Police using their online reporting form or by calling 101.
Encampments on council land
The law places certain responsibilities on local councils when dealing with unauthorised encampment on council-owned land. The process is outlined below.
- Council receives notification of an unauthorised encampment.
- Council officers and Surrey Police visit the site as soon as possible to carry out legally required welfare assessments such as health and safeguarding checks. These must be addressed before enforcement action can take place.
- Council issues a Section 77 Notice of Direction to Leave that instructs the unauthorised occupiers to leave the site on a set time and date. The notice is served as soon as is practicable.
- Should the occupiers fail to leave by the specified date, a court application is made for a Section 78 order to remove the unauthorised encampment (timescale for this is largely dependent on the courts).
- A hearing is held at a Magistrates’ Court (typically Guildford or Staines) who will decide whether to grant the order.
- If successful, the council removes the unauthorised encampment with the assistance of bailiffs. Occupiers must be given 24 hours notice of intended action.
What you should do while the Council goes through the court process
What can the police do?
Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, the police has powers to remove trespassers and their vehicles. It is for the police to decide if these powers should be used, which can only be activated under certain circumstances when there is significant impact on the local community. Therefore it is important that you report any anti-social behaviour or illegal activity to Surrey Police.
Read more about Surrey Police's role
How we minimise the impact on public land and the local area
After occupiers leave, we ensure all waste is removed and any damage is repaired.
Encampments on private land
- attempt to agree a leaving date with an encampment representative
- obtain a Court Order to evict them.
Authorised sites
Surrey County Council manages a site for traveller families at:
- Hatchingtan
- Burdenshott Road
- Worplesdon.