Traveller, Trespasser & Rough Sleeper Evictions

Evict Travellers & Trespassers from Private Land

Our certificated enforcement agents attend sites to serve notice and manage the lawful removal of unauthorised occupants, including travellers, trespassers and rough sleepers, helping restore possession of land or property swiftly and professionally.

UK Bailiffs takes a structured, documented approach with clear communications, risk-aware attendance and practical on-site coordination to support landowners, managing agents, commercial occupiers and other professional clients.

Traveller and trespasser eviction support by UK Bailiffs

Rapid, controlled and professionally managed attendance

We support private landowners and professional clients with a calm, visible and well-managed approach to unauthorised occupation, combining practical attendance with clear reporting and coordinated site action.

Fast Site Attendance

Urgent attendance options for unauthorised encampments, trespass and site occupation matters.

Professional Presence

Certificated enforcement personnel providing visible authority and controlled site management.

Structured Approach

Clear communication, documented attendance and practical coordination throughout the instruction.

Private Land Support

Suitable for landowners, managing agents, commercial occupiers and other professional clients.

Traveller eviction team
How Long Does It Take?
  • Same-day attendance available
  • Notice served under landowner’s remedy or CPR Part 55
  • Eviction usually completed within 24–48 hours
Evidence & Support
  • Body-worn video & photographs provided
  • Liaison with local police where appropriate
  • Full written documentation and reports
Traveller & Trespasser Evictions – A Guide for Landowners

If your land is occupied by travellers, trespassers, or rough sleepers and they are refusing to leave, you may be entitled to take swift and lawful action. Court proceedings are not always required. Below is an outline of the available options.

What Powers Can Be Used?
  • Common Law – the fastest route where conditions allow
  • CPR Part 55 – typically used for persistent or building occupations
  • Police powers (s.61) – where statutory thresholds are met
Why Use UK Bailiffs?
  • Responsive coverage across England & Wales
  • Certificated enforcement agents where required
  • Site security, lock changes and clearance options available
What We Need to Get Started
  • Your authority as landowner or instructed agent
  • Site address and brief description of the situation
  • Photographs or location details (if available)
Traveller Evictions & Trespasser Removal

Strategy Before Strength

When responding to unauthorised encampments, our experienced bailiffs prioritise strategy, communication, and respect to achieve peaceful resolutions. Traveller evictions don’t always require overwhelming force — just the right approach.

While we have the capability to deploy large enforcement teams with tow trucks and site security, in most cases, two skilled agents are all it takes. Our long-standing relationships with the travelling community allow us to resolve incidents quickly and peacefully — without unnecessary escalation or costs.

Practical, cost-effective outcomes: Our calm and strategic approach reduces disruption, protects your land, and maintains dignity for all involved.

Bailiffs using strategic approach for traveller eviction

“With years of experience in traveller evictions, rough sleeper evictions, and trespasser evictions, UK Bailiffs has successfully reclaimed hundreds of sites across England and Wales — working closely with landowners, property managers, and local authorities to deliver swift, lawful outcomes.”

Procedures and Protocols

UK Bailiffs offers a fast, legally compliant service for removing unauthorised encampments. Our agents work professionally to resolve situations with minimal disruption.

Step-by-Step Eviction Process
  • Initial consultation: call us to discuss the situation, the lawful options, and fees.
  • Online form: complete a short instruction form — we prepare and issue the relevant notices.
  • Agent deployment: enforcement agents are dispatched, often within 2 hours (subject to location and availability).
  • Notice & risk assessment: notices are served and the site is assessed on arrival.
  • Strategy options:
    • Peaceful eviction: a reasonable deadline is set for voluntary departure.
    • Extended time: may be offered where occupiers cooperate and risks are low.
    • Escalation: additional agents and specialist resources can be deployed where proportionate.
    • Full removal: site clearance as a last resort, following the agreed approach.
  • Final enforcement: action taken in line with the chosen approach and the lawful basis for removal.
Eviction Options
  • Serve only: we serve notice and complete an initial assessment.
  • Serve & observe: we remain on-site to monitor and encourage compliance.
  • Serve & return: we return if the deadline expires without compliance.
  • Same-day eviction: immediate notice and enforcement action in one visit (where appropriate).
UK Bailiffs EA

The Law Relating to Evictions

Landowners in England and Wales — whether private or local authority — have the right to remove trespassers using either Common Law or the Court process.

Halsbury’s Laws of England

In 1907, Stanley Bond commissioned Lord Chancellor Hardinge Giffard to produce the legal reference now known as Halsbury’s Laws of England.

“If a trespasser peaceably enters or is on land, the person who is in or entitled to possession may request them to leave, and if they refuse, remove them using no more force than is reasonably necessary.”

This principle still applies today.

The Role of Enforcement Agents

Enforcement Agents (formerly bailiffs) may lawfully attend land without notice and remove trespassers immediately — without a court order — using reasonable force.

Important Exception: If agents cannot gain peaceful entry (e.g. locked gates), eviction under Common Law is not permitted.

  • Agents attend and serve notice
  • Conduct a site-specific risk assessment
  • Provide reasonable time to vacate
  • Remove people/vehicles using minimum force if needed
Reasonable Notice & Force
  • Notice: Can be immediate or delayed
  • Force: Must be proportionate
  • Best Practice: Avoid night evictions with children present
Benefits of Common Law

Speed & Cost: No court needed, faster and cheaper resolution.

Limitations

Trespassers may return — but this is rare with decisive enforcement.

Special Considerations

Local Authority: Must assess Human Rights duties. If children are involved, liaise with social services.



Traveller and Trespasser Success Rate (2024-2025)

Below is the total success rate for October 2024 - October 2025 based on 117 evictions

76%

Vacated on Service (24 hours)

23.5%

Evicted following Reattendance (48 hours)

0.5%

Evicted After 48 hours

99.5%

Total Success Rate (Excludes those who left before instruction was cancelled)

Instruction Form

Submit Your Instruction

Complete the form below to send your instruction to our team for review. We will assess the information provided, confirm the appropriate next steps and advise you if anything further is required.

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

Where instructions relate to traveller, trespasser or unauthorised encampment matters, all instructions are subject to our Traveller & Trespasser Terms and Conditions.

What Happens Next

Once submitted, we will review the instruction and contact you to confirm acceptance. We may request further information as part of our standard checks and due diligence procedures before progressing matters.

If you have any questions before submitting the form, please contact our team at help@ukbailiffs.org.


FAQs

Trespasser & Traveller Evictions — Frequently Asked Questions

Clear guidance for landowners on common law eviction, notice, lawful conduct, and the practical steps we take to manage risk and resolve matters proportionately.

What is a Common Law eviction?

This refers to the landowner’s legal right to regain possession of private land from unauthorised occupiers without the need for a court order, using lawful and proportionate measures under the tort of trespass.

Do I need a court order to remove trespassers?

No. A court order is not required for open private land. A possession order is generally only needed where access is secured, such as locked buildings or gated land requiring forced entry.

Who can carry out the eviction?

Eviction may be carried out by the landowner or by appointed Certificated Enforcement Agents. Using experienced professionals helps ensure safety, proportionality, and legal compliance.

What kind of force is permitted?

Only reasonable and proportionate force is permitted. This may include guiding individuals away from the land or removing vehicles, but never aggressive, intimidating, or damaging conduct.

How quickly can UK Bailiffs respond?

In most cases, enforcement teams can be deployed within approximately two hours of instruction, covering locations across England and Wales.

Is advance notice required?

Yes. Written notice is normally served between 2 and 24 hours in advance, depending on the circumstances. Notices are handed directly or clearly displayed on site.

Can I evict trespassers myself?

While lawful in principle, self-help eviction carries significant practical and legal risks. Instructing trained enforcement agents greatly reduces the risk of escalation or liability.

What if they refuse to leave?

Our agents escalate matters proportionately, which may include additional personnel, vehicle removal, or liaison with police to prevent a breach of the peace.

What laws apply to this process?

Enforcement is governed primarily by civil trespass law, the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, and relevant Human Rights Act considerations.

Will the police attend?

Police may attend to prevent a breach of the peace but do not normally assist with civil eviction unless criminal behaviour or obstruction occurs.

What if there are children on site?

Where children are present, we liaise with relevant safeguarding services and ensure all welfare considerations are properly managed and documented.

What is the risk of excessive force?

Excessive or aggressive force is unlawful and may lead to criminal or civil liability. Our agents are trained to use only the minimum force necessary.

How do you deter re-entry?

Rapid deployment and consistent follow-up significantly reduce re-entry risk. Once properly evicted, the vast majority of trespassers do not return.

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