TRAVELLERS will be expected to observe the same standards of behaviour and regard for the law as the rest of the community under new government guidance on managing unauthorised camping to be published in the autumn.
The government strategy could change the way such camps are treated by the police but the use of stronger enforcement powers will be linked to adequate site provision.
Head of EHDCÕs Health and Environmental Health, Mark Reed, told The Herald, ÒThe police would be provided with increased powers to move on unauthorised traveller encampments but only where the local authority has made provision for temporary, transit and emergency stopping sites.
ÒWe welcome a debate about temporary, transit and emergency stopping sites. The council has been in discussion with our neighbouring districts for some months to try and identify some sites. This is proving problematic but we are persevering. The new guidance expected in the autumn may assist this process.
ÒThe range of actions in the strategy includes initial funding to facilitate temporary, transit and emergency stopping places for travellers. We would welcome that but would like to see the details of the proposals and what ÒstringsÓ are attached to the funding.
ÒThe new guide on managing unauthorised sites will recommend local authorities draw up a strategy with an emphasis that the same standards of behaviour and regard for the law are expected from all sections of the community including travellers.
ÒAgain we welcome this national initiative but we feel that in East Hampshire we have already addressed this in our new policy and code for travellers which are in line with these proposals.Õ