TfL given go-ahead to begin clearing Park Lane’s ‘island encampment’
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
Transport for London (TfL) has been granted a possession order for land in Park Lane that for at least the past few months has been occupied by a growing homeless encampment.
Describing the spot in the middle of the dual carriageway as ‘not a safe place for people to sleep rough’, the transport body had its possession order request approved at a hearing in the Central London County Court on Friday.
Following the hearing, a spokesman confirmed there were further stages to go in the legal process before it can move the encampment from the site, specifically applying for a writ of possession.
Recent estimates are that at least 40 people are living on the site, next to Hyde Park, with tents, tables, shopping trolleys and washing airers indicators of long-term occupation.
One local business asked why the tents could not be relocated, adding the area was being used ‘not only to live in but as a lavatory’.
Following the hearing, a TfL spokesman said: “No one should be faced with sleeping rough on London’s streets. Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and our focus is on the safety and welfare of everyone involved.
“We have been granted a possession order for the encampment on Park Lane. We are now ready to follow the next stages of the legal process towards gaining possession of the site.
“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with partner agencies to prioritise the safety and welfare of everyone currently sleeping rough there.
“This includes continuing to work with outreach partners who can help individuals access the available and appropriate support.”
Westminster City council staff had to clear piles of rubbish and dismantle tents after a previous encampment left the Park Lane strip of land in 2021. It was thought to have been occupied for around seven years.
Pictured top: Tents between the Park Lane dual carriageway (Picture: LDRS)