What Rights Do Travellers Have?

New age travellers or Peace Convoy are a peculiarly British social phenomenon consisting of people who often espouse New Age and Neopagan beliefs, and who travel between music festivals and fairs in order to live in a community with others who hold similar beliefs. Their transport and homes consist of vans, lorries, buses and caravans. In the 1980s these were driven in convoys, sometimes without the necessary tax and insurance. Travellers sometimes refer to gypsies, who lead a similar lifestyle. Travellers are entitled to services such as health, housing, education and welfare. Councils have to consider these rights when using powers against illegal sites. For example, evictions from illegal sites may need to be delayed until school-age children finish the term or school year. The Human Rights Act also has to be considered when councils take action. These include rights to: Respect for private and family life, Protection of property, Education and Freedom from discrimination. For example, the loss of a traveller's home must be weighed against the public interest of enforcing planning laws.