“Unauthorized encampments” may be dismantled on Park Lane in central London following Transport for London (TfL) obtaining a court order for their removal.

Situated across from the Hilton Hotel near Hyde Park Corner, this camp currently consists of approximately 12 tents. The possession order issued by the court comes after an earlier order in October that resulted in the clearance of about 40 individuals from the area.

Councillors from Westminster City have demanded that the tents be addressed “as a priority,” emphasizing the necessity of a sustainable solution to prevent a return to the current situation.

TfL has indicated that it has been collaborating extensively with the council and additional partners over several months to address the situation at Park Lane “with compassion and safety in mind.”

“We were compelled to take enforcement measures to regain control of the site twice last year, yet several individuals have since returned with tents and belongings,” a spokesperson stated.

“A court has granted us a possession order, and we are moving forward with our partners to outline subsequent steps.”

“No one should have to endure sleeping on the streets of London. Park Lane is a bustling thoroughfare that poses safety risks for those without shelter, and our priority has always been to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.”

West End councillors Paul Fisher and Tim Barnes expressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the presence of tents is “unacceptable in the heart of our capital.”

Paul Swaddle, the leader of Westminster’s Conservative group, recently visited the site and noted that the conditions were “continuing to worsen.”

“I personally observed public urination and anti-social behavior at 11am,” he remarked.

“It is astonishing that TfL and Westminster City Council did not successfully secure this area during their initial efforts. For everyone’s benefit, I hope it will not take another six months to resolve this matter.”

A representative from the transport authority mentioned they are considering additional long-term strategies to mitigate rough sleeping in the area and to “prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved.”

When asked about the potential long-term strategies, TfL has yet to provide a response.

A spokesperson for Westminster City Council stated that teams specializing in rough sleeping across London “regularly” engage with those residing on the streets of Park Lane.

“Our support services are extensive, and there should be no reason for anyone to sleep rough – either at this site or elsewhere in the city,” they declared.

“The factors that lead individuals to live on the streets are complex, and many facing homelessness have various needs or disabilities.”

“We have supported TfL, which oversees the site, by facilitating their recent possession orders to ensure anyone affected can secure assistance and move into housing.”

According to a representative from St Mungo’s, a homeless charity, it is essential to assist individuals in finding emergency accommodations, private rentals, and specialized housing.

They added, “Moreover, we must implement preventative measures to stop homelessness before it occurs.”

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has articulated a goal to eliminate rough sleeping by 2030, pledging to remove the requirement for individuals to be visibly homeless to access support services in the city.

He has also promised to establish a network of hubs dedicated to ending homelessness, providing round-the-clock support for those at greatest risk.

St Mungo’s has expressed support for this initiative.

“A crisis of this scale necessitates substantial systemic change. St Mungo’s is prepared to collaborate with the government and all stakeholders to eradicate homelessness for good,” the spokesperson stated.