The law would make ‘intentional trespass’ a criminal offence. Under the proposals, families living on unauthorised encampments could face time behind bars, a hefty fine or the removal of their home. The legislation has already received cross-party approval in Oxfordshire after dozens of traveller groups set up camps on playing fields and car parks across the county in recent years, costing the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds in legal bills and clean-up fees. A canister left at Oatlands Road recreation ground in Oxford in 2018 Residents and councillors across the county have vented their frustrating at having little power to deal with the menace but the new legislation, being proposed by Home Secretary Priti Patel, could act as a deterrent to travellers.