Counting the cost of Travellers' encampments - Sussex

From the Argus

Abandoned vehicles on an unauthorised encampment will be towed away – at a potential cost of thousands of pounds to the taxpayer.

A group of about 28 trucks and caravans moved on to land just off Devil’s Dyke Road, Brighton, more than four months ago.

But, as the group was evicted by Brighton and Hove City Council, 13 of the vehicles were left on the site, which is in the South Downs National Park.

Critics warned that the cost of towing the vehicles away from the “shanty town” would have to be paid for by the local authority.

Michael Murray, of Brighton and Hove Environmental Action Group, described it as “utterly outrageous”, adding that he felt the van dwellers should be fined by the council.

Mr Murray said: “It’s fly-tipping, it’s a criminal offence.

“If a car was left on the street and it’s recovered by the council they can charge you.

“This is all about fairness. It’s grossly unfair to the tax- payers of the city, some of whom are struggling very hard.”