Background and policy objectives
3.Unauthorised camping is widespread in Northern Ireland and has long been a cause of complaint from both the public and elected representatives. It has given rise to concerns about environmental and public health issues as well as traffic hazards, and depending on location, the effect on the trade of local businesses. At present, there is no specific Northern Ireland legislation to control unauthorised encampments.
4.The Order will give the police the power to remove trespassers who intend residing on land, together with their vehicles and other property. The provisions of the Order are similar to those already in existence in Great Britain.