Hundreds of people attended two public meetings last month to find out the latest on what is being done to tackle van dwellers on the Downs.
Tony Nelson, chair of the community action group Protect the Downs, said he believed the group’s work would result in action by Bristol City Council.
But he urged residents to continue to maintain pressure on the authority to ensure the rising tide of vans – 146 at the latest count – was stemmed.
And he reiterated the group’s intention to take legal action if necessary, outlining details of a £50,000 online fundraising appeal.
Mr Nelson said: “This is a long-term effort, and while BCC has often relied on delay, confusion and inaction, our persistence is making a difference.
“Thanks to the community’s engagement, we’ve seen the Council acknowledge that the current situation is unsustainable. Momentum is now moving our way.”
The group’s legal challenge, supported by a barrister and solicitor, focuses on multiple alleged breaches by Bristol City Council, including:
• Failure to implement its own policy to manage high-impact encampments.
• Failure to protect the environment, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
• Failure to enforce the Downs Act.
• Failure to ensure consistency across the city in responding to vehicle dwellers.
• Failure to consider the needs of vulnerable residents, including the elderly and those in care homes.
“These are not vague complaints; they are clearly defined legal obligations that the council has failed to meet. Our legal team has worked hard to identify specific breaches that can stand up in court,” Mr Nelson added.
The meetings were told that the Protect the Downs campaign distinguishes between those in genuine need and individuals choosing a nomadic lifestyle.
The community briefing will be used to state that PTD respects rights for all people to live differently, but when voluntary vehicle living impacts thousands of residents, occupies public parks, and puts pressure on already limited services, BCC has a duty to act fairly and consistently.
“This campaign is not about hostility, it’s about fairness, safety, and effective governance,” said Tony Nelson. “Bristol deserves a Council that enforces its own rules and protects the vulnerable, long-term residents and the environment.”
The council has just completed a consultation on how it should work with vehicle dwellers across the city.
The feedback will inform a policy and actions, aiming to balance offering help and advice to vehicle dwellers to better meet their health and housing needs alongside considering the needs of the local community.
Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Delivery Committee, said: “Vehicle dweller numbers have grown in recent years, across Bristol and the whole country, and we are clear we cannot go on like this. Our communities, including vehicle dwellers themselves, deserve better.
“This increase in people living in vehicles creates a range of social, public health, and environmental challenges for the city and people living this way.
“We have run a series of engagement sessions throughout the consultation, and we have already had a good response to the survey, but we want to make sure that everyone has a chance to have their say before the consultation closes next week – particularly those people who are directly impacted by the issue.
“We need to be clear that once the policy is in place we will not be able to solve this issue overnight, and it will take time to meaningfully engage with people living in vehicles. However, with the right processes in place, we will be able to start offering real support to the people who need it, before moving to enforcement where necessary.”
The online fundraising page can be found at https://shorturl.at/UOpE1