Transport for London (TfL) has allocated over £113,000 in a three-month period to a security firm tasked with preventing rough sleepers from returning to Park Lane.
This summer, TfL engaged the services of a security company, believed to be MEC Security, following the eviction of a group of rough sleepers from the location.
According to TfL, from July to September, they spent £113,365 on security measures at Park Lane.
A representative mentioned that individuals experiencing homelessness were informed about their impending removal and directed to outreach teams from Westminster City Council for assistance.
Tim Barnes, a Conservative councillor for the West End, expressed disappointment at the expenditure but acknowledged its necessity due to the “damaging effects” of previous encampments.
Despite being situated in one of Westminster’s—and London’s—most affluent areas, the stretch of land through the center of Park Lane is overseen by TfL rather than the local council.
The challenge of rough sleeping in this region has persisted for at least ten years.
In May, the authority obtained a court order to disband a significant encampment located opposite the Hilton near Hyde Park Corner.
Numerous businesses voiced their dissatisfaction with rough sleepers approaching their patrons, including a local restaurant owner who stated their desire to “eliminate them” as it negatively impacts the neighborhood.
A spokesperson for TfL indicated that security personnel have been deployed to monitor the area and dissuade individuals from returning. Journalism platform London Centric later identified MEC Security as the firm engaged for this effort.
TfL has not revealed the anticipated duration of the security firm’s patrols, though future arrangements will focus on preventing individuals from reoccupying the space.
The council reported that Westminster hosts more rough sleepers than any other region in the nation and expressed appreciation for additional government funding aimed at addressing this concern.
Barnes remarked that both the mayor and council need to “organize their efforts” to decrease the number of individuals sleeping rough in the area.
