Policy for Managing Vehicle Dwelling consultation

Policy context

The number of people living in vehicles across Bristol has significantly increased since 2019. This creates a range of social, public health, and environmental challenges for the city and people living this way.

Vehicle dwelling has complex and varied causes, including:

• affordability of housing
• economic hardship
• health issues
• alternative lifestyles

As numbers have grown, we have seen an increasing impact on:

• health and safety of people living in vehicles
• access to public spaces, obstruction of roads
• community cohesion

Many people living in vehicles experience:

• poor mental and physical health
• limited access to sanitation
• barriers to services, and stigma

Concerns are also created for the wider community and partner agencies regarding:

• anti-social behaviour
• public health risks
• environmental waste
• access to and enjoyment of parks and green spaces
• road safety

Bristol City Council does not recognise unauthorised people or groups of people living on highways or council-owned land (without consent) as a sustainable or safe way of living, or a housing solution. The significant rise in the number of people living this way in Bristol reflects a broader national housing crisis that has left many unable to access secure, affordable accommodation, which cannot be fully addressed locally.

The pdf Policy for Managing Vehicle Dwelling(1.18 MB) has been developed based on the following principles.

Respect and inclusion

Respect for the rights of all Bristol citizens, both vehicle dwellers and other residents. We recognise that vehicle dwellers are not a homogenous group. They include:

• working professionals
• families
• older people
• cultural travellers
• individuals experiencing poverty or trauma

Support throughout

Proactive multi-agency outreach will seek to address needs early, with a focus on health and finding routes into secure accommodation.

Fair enforcement

Enforcement action when moving people living in vehicles off Bristol highways or council-owned land will be:

• consistent
• impartial
• evidence-based

Welfare, safeguarding assessments and support will also be available before, during, and after any enforcement action is taken by the council. 

Safe alternatives

Expanding our provision of temporary Meanwhile Sites  to provide safe, managed spaces with basic amenities and support for people living in vehicles.

Participation

We support the involvement of the following groups in policy design and review:

• people with lived experience of living in vehicles
• the settled community

Policy scope

This policy applies to individuals and households living in vehicles located on a highway in Bristol or on any Bristol City Council-owned land without permission. This is regardless of the type of vehicle or reason for living in the vehicle.

This policy does not apply to: 

• Individuals and households living in vehicles on private land in Bristol
• Vehicles that are abandoned. Abandoned vehicles will be managed separately under established highways procedures and abandonment protocols.

Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities living in vehicles are supported under statutory guidance due to their recognised ethnic identities. The delivery of this policy will be carried out with due regard to their rights, needs, and the council’s duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty. Where members of the GRT community are identified within other groups of people living in vehicles, the council’s GRT Team will lead our engagement response in accordance with their policies and protocols.