Traveller, Trespasser & Rough Sleeper Evictions

Traveller Eviction Services
Across England & Wales

Need travellers, trespassers or rough sleepers removed from private or commercial land? UK Bailiffs provides fast, lawful eviction support, with experienced enforcement teams available to attend from approximately two hours, subject to location and availability.

We serve notice, assess the site, communicate with those in occupation and manage the recovery of land through a documented, proportionate and professionally controlled process.

41 Instructions
41 Clearances
25 Cleared Day 1
16 Cleared Days 2–3
UK Bailiffs attending an unauthorised occupation of private land

Rapid, controlled and professionally managed attendance

Practical enforcement support for landowners, managing agents, commercial occupiers, housing providers and public-sector clients.

01

Fast Site Attendance

Urgent attendance options for traveller encampments, trespass, rough sleeping and other unauthorised occupations.

02

Experienced Personnel

Experienced, properly instructed personnel providing a calm presence and controlled site management.

03

Documented Process

Clear client communication, site assessment, photographs and written reporting throughout the instruction.

04

Nationwide Coverage

Operational support across England and Wales for private land, retail parks, estates, buildings and development sites.

Our Approach

Strategy Before Strength

Unauthorised occupation does not always require a large or confrontational response. Our first objective is to understand the site, communicate clearly and secure a controlled departure wherever possible.

Many instructions are resolved by a small, experienced team using visible authority, negotiation and careful planning. Additional agents, vehicle recovery, security or site-clearance resources are deployed only where lawful, necessary and proportionate.

This approach reduces disruption and avoidable cost while protecting the landowner's position and treating everyone present with dignity and respect.

UK Bailiffs traveller and trespasser eviction team

Action based on occupation—not identity

Our service responds to unauthorised occupation of land or property. Every instruction is assessed on its facts, with conduct, welfare, vulnerability, equality and safeguarding considerations addressed as part of the operational plan. We aim to recover possession lawfully while maintaining professional and respectful treatment for travellers, trespassers, rough sleepers and all other persons present.

Operational Process

How the Eviction Process Works

The lawful route and timescale depend on the type of land, how it is occupied, access arrangements and the risks identified.

Initial assessment

We discuss the location, nature of the occupation, ownership or authority, access, known risks and the outcome required.

Instruction and authority

You complete the instruction form and provide authority to act, site information and photographs where available.

Attendance and site assessment

The attending team assesses the circumstances, records the position and confirms the appropriate operational approach.

Notice and communication

Notice is served where appropriate and the occupants are clearly informed of the landowner's position and the time allowed to leave.

Resolution or proportionate escalation

Voluntary departure is encouraged. If the occupation continues, further resources or an alternative legal route may be recommended.

Clearance and reporting

Once possession is recovered, the client receives attendance information and supporting documentation in accordance with the instruction.

Legal Routes

The Law Relating to Unauthorised Occupation

Landowners may have different routes available to recover possession. We assess the circumstances before recommending action.

Common Law recovery of land

A person entitled to possession may require a trespasser to leave and, where legally justified, take proportionate steps to recover the land. The precise approach depends on the facts, access and risks at the site.

CPR Part 55 possession proceedings

Where direct recovery is unsuitable or unavailable, the person entitled to possession may seek a possession order through the court under Civil Procedure Rules Part 55. Court enforcement is a separate process.

Police and local-authority powers

The police and local authorities have separate statutory powers that may apply when the relevant legal thresholds are met. Those powers are exercised by the relevant public body and are distinct from a landowner's civil remedies.

Secured buildings and restricted access

Some occupations—including secured buildings or cases where lawful access cannot be obtained—may require different planning or a court-based possession route. We review access and occupation before confirming what action can be taken.

Operational Results

Traveller, Trespasser and Related Site Clearances

Recorded outcomes from 41 instructions received between 1 January and 13 August 2026.

41

Instructions Received

Traveller, trespasser, rough-sleeper and related unauthorised-occupation instructions recorded during the period.

61%

Cleared on Day One

25 of the 41 recorded sites were cleared during the first day of operational activity.

37%

Cleared on Day Two

15 recorded sites concluded during the second day where further time or reattendance was required.

100%

Recorded Clearances

All 41 recorded instructions concluded with clearance; one required activity extending into day three.

Figures are based on internal operational records. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number and should be updated when the reporting period changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveller, Trespasser and Rough Sleeper Evictions

Clear guidance for landowners on Common Law recovery, notice, lawful conduct and the practical steps used to manage risk.

What is a Common Law eviction?

It is the use of a landowner's civil right to recover possession from people occupying land without permission. The action taken must have a proper legal basis and remain necessary and proportionate.

Do I need a court order?

Not always. Common Law recovery may be available for some occupations of open private land. Secured buildings, restricted access, disputed possession or other complications may require proceedings under CPR Part 55.

Who can carry out the eviction?

The person entitled to possession may act personally or appoint properly authorised agents. UK Bailiffs uses experienced enforcement personnel and assesses authority, safety and proportionality before attendance.

What kind of force is permitted?

Only force that is legally justified, necessary and proportionate may be considered. Aggressive, intimidating or punitive conduct is not permitted. Vehicle recovery is assessed separately and requires its own legal and operational basis.

How quickly can UK Bailiffs respond?

Attendance is available from approximately two hours in many locations, subject to the site, distance, agent availability and the checks required before deployment.

Is advance notice required?

The appropriate notice and time allowed to leave depend on the circumstances. It may be immediate in some cases or require a reasonable period in others, taking account of safety, welfare and the landowner's needs.

Can I remove trespassers myself?

A person entitled to possession may have a right to recover the land, but self-help carries significant legal and safety risks. Professional assessment reduces the risk of escalation, injury or an unlawful response.

What happens if they refuse to leave?

We reassess the risks and recommend a proportionate next step. This may include additional personnel, planned reattendance, specialist support or an alternative court-based route.

What laws may apply?

The position may involve civil trespass principles, CPR Part 55 possession proceedings and separate statutory powers available to police or local authorities. Equality, human-rights, welfare and safeguarding considerations may also be relevant.

Will the police attend?

Police involvement depends on the circumstances and operational policing decisions. Their role is distinct from the landowner's civil recovery process, although they may respond to crime, disorder or an anticipated breach of the peace.

What if children or vulnerable people are present?

Known welfare and vulnerability factors are included in the assessment and operational plan. Relevant public or safeguarding services may be contacted where the circumstances require it.

How is excessive force avoided?

The site is assessed before action, instructions are documented and the response is kept under review. Personnel are expected to use communication first and only take physical action where it is lawful and proportionate.

How can re-entry be discouraged?

Prompt attendance, securing access points, site security and appropriate follow-up can reduce the likelihood of re-entry. We can discuss security, locksmith and site-protection options with the landowner.

Instruction Form

Submit Your Instruction

Complete the form below to send the details to our team. We will review the information, assess the available route and contact you to confirm acceptance and the next steps.

Important: Submission does not constitute acceptance of the instruction or create a contract. No action is taken until the matter has been reviewed and confirmed with you.