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England Sees 73% Rise in Unauthorised Traveller Caravans

8/16/2026

29 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England recorded 4,950 unauthorised traveller caravans in January 2026, a 73% rise from 2,860 in January 2020.
2025 sites reached 4,471, a 44% increase from 3,113 in July 2019.
Unauthorised Gypsy and traveller sites appeared over Holiday weekends in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and elsewhere.
A councillor and founder Cliff Codona said the planning system has lost control and is a dagger that forces illegal building.

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Story summary

England recorded 4,950 unauthorised traveller caravans in January 2026, a 73% rise from 2,860 in January 2020.
2025 sites reached 4,471, a 44% increase from 3,113 in July 2019.
Unauthorised Gypsy and traveller sites appeared over Holiday weekends in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and elsewhere.
A councillor and founder Cliff Codona said the planning system has lost control and is a dagger that forces illegal building.