Repeal the vagrancy act of 1824 & introduce “leave no trace laws”

139
signatures
closedMinistry of Housing, Communities & Local GovernmentOpened 24 December 2024Closed 24 June 2025

Background

The Vagrancy Act criminalises the homeless and wild campers which adds to their hardship. I think recognising the humanity of the homeless is crucial. I think “leave no trace laws” should be introduced which require homeless people to leave no trace of their rough sleeping or wild camping.

Additional details

I think this outdated law criminalises people facing challenges. In the past five years, nearly 2,500 homeless individuals in England & Wales have been arrested under this Act for simply having no place to go. I think implementing "leave no trace" laws could protect the environment while allowing wild camping and rough sleeping without persecution. I think Scotland’s “free roam” laws are a good example of how it can be done.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 703142.