Urge UK county councils to fund safe stopping zones for travellers


Urge UK county councils to fund safe stopping zones for travellers
The Issue
For far too long, the UK Travelling community, encompassing both families and individuals like myself, have been neglected by local councils and government authorities. Our way of life, which embraces a nomadic tradition, is not only disrespected but unsupported by insufficient infrastructure and legal recognitions.
Being part of the Travellers Culture, with deep roots and ties through family and friends, I have witnessed our communities struggling due to the lack of designated safe stopping zones, meanwhile sites, and transit sites. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct violation of our rights to live freely and safely according to our cultural heritage.
Currently, most areas within the UK lack proper safe stopping zones, which leaves families in our community vulnerable to unsafe conditions and exclusionary practices. Without designated areas to stop and reside safely, travelling families are unfairly penalized and marginalized.
The scarcity of safe stopping areas has led to significant issues including harassment, displacement, and unjust legal challenges. Our people are often forced to settle in unsuitable and hazardous locations, increasing tensions with local communities and authorities.
This is not merely an issue of inconvenience— it is a matter of cultural survival and dignity. Ensuring the provision of adequately funded stopping zones is an urgent need, yet government action remains insufficient. We need immediate investment by the UK government and county councils to create and maintain these sites.
According to research by civil rights organizations, there is a substantial gap between policy promises and on-the-ground action regarding resources and services for Traveller communities. Government authorities must not only release specific funding but also ensure that county councils use this money to develop the necessary infrastructure to support our cultural existence.
We are calling on the UK government and local county councils to take immediate action by earmarking and allocating specific funding for the establishment and maintenance of safe stopping zones, meanwhile sites, and transit sites to ensure that our culture is respected and preserved.
Please join us in our plea for change. Stand with the UK Travelling culture, sign this petition, and demand accountability and action from those in power. Together, we can make a significant difference for Travellers today and for future generations.

18
The Issue
For far too long, the UK Travelling community, encompassing both families and individuals like myself, have been neglected by local councils and government authorities. Our way of life, which embraces a nomadic tradition, is not only disrespected but unsupported by insufficient infrastructure and legal recognitions.
Being part of the Travellers Culture, with deep roots and ties through family and friends, I have witnessed our communities struggling due to the lack of designated safe stopping zones, meanwhile sites, and transit sites. This is not just an inconvenience; it is a direct violation of our rights to live freely and safely according to our cultural heritage.
Currently, most areas within the UK lack proper safe stopping zones, which leaves families in our community vulnerable to unsafe conditions and exclusionary practices. Without designated areas to stop and reside safely, travelling families are unfairly penalized and marginalized.
The scarcity of safe stopping areas has led to significant issues including harassment, displacement, and unjust legal challenges. Our people are often forced to settle in unsuitable and hazardous locations, increasing tensions with local communities and authorities.
This is not merely an issue of inconvenience— it is a matter of cultural survival and dignity. Ensuring the provision of adequately funded stopping zones is an urgent need, yet government action remains insufficient. We need immediate investment by the UK government and county councils to create and maintain these sites.
According to research by civil rights organizations, there is a substantial gap between policy promises and on-the-ground action regarding resources and services for Traveller communities. Government authorities must not only release specific funding but also ensure that county councils use this money to develop the necessary infrastructure to support our cultural existence.
We are calling on the UK government and local county councils to take immediate action by earmarking and allocating specific funding for the establishment and maintenance of safe stopping zones, meanwhile sites, and transit sites to ensure that our culture is respected and preserved.
Please join us in our plea for change. Stand with the UK Travelling culture, sign this petition, and demand accountability and action from those in power. Together, we can make a significant difference for Travellers today and for future generations.

18
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Petition created on 26 March 2026