Over the past weekend, three cases of illegal caravan encampments by members of the traveller community occurred in France.
In Châteaugay (Puy-de-Dôme), on 17 May, more than 70 caravans occupied the municipal rugby field. Mayor Olivier Mallet filed a complaint, and gendarmerie recorded unauthorized water connections. The municipality intends to charge for water consumption and land use if the group does not leave by the end of the month.
In Toulouse, about 30 caravans settled on the Argoulets green zone, illegally connecting to city water and electricity networks. The city council has taken legal action for forced eviction, which usually occurs within 48 hours of a judge's decision. The city and its agglomeration have 18 permanent sites with 217 pitches, as well as an area for large gatherings in Mounède.
In Perthes (Seine-et-Marne), more than 200 caravans occupied an agricultural plot. Owners filed three complaints with the gendarmerie. The mayor fears overloading of the water supply network. Negotiations with traveller representatives are ongoing.