The squatters on Park Lane Road have angered locals with their behaviour (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
Labour Party councillors are being accused of failing to take action to remove a migrant camp on Park Lane, Mayfair.
Locals are fed up with the behaviour of Romanian squatters living in a tent city established on the UK’s poshest street four months ago.
Migrants from the camp, on the central reservation opposite the swanky Dorchester Hotel, have been caught defecating in public and holding loud drinking sessions into the early hours of the morning.
There have also been allegations about aggressive behaviour, incidents of stealing and organised begging.
When an Express reporter asked the Romanian group to respond to these claims, they angrily denied them, shouting they had the “right to be there.”
“If you have any questions, you should go to the council. We have permission to stay,” they added.
Following the migrants’ astonishing claims, two Conservative Party councillors, Paul Fisher and Tim Barnes, accused their Labour colleagues of failing to enforce a court order giving the local authority permission to remove the site.
“After months of demands from local Conservative councillors, TfL finally obtained a possession order from the courts in May,” they said in a statement to the Express.
“But it has failed to enforce it. This is not the first time we’ve seen tents in the borough.
Older men drinking in the early hours of the morning at the Park Lane site (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)
“The Labour Council is concerned primarily with ‘outreach’.
“These tents have to go. They compromise sanitation, fire safety and the security of residents and visitors alike.
“They are a blemish on the reputation of our capital. Time for action and a permanent solution.”
Westminster City Council rejected both the migrants’ claim that they had been allowed to stay and the Tory councillors’ suggestion that it had not been swift enough in tackling the settlement established on land owned by Transport for London.
“The central reservation of Park Lane is not a safe place for anybody to live and we’re concerned about the welfare of those sleeping there,” a spokesperson said.
“However, we are clear that the antisocial behaviour associated with this encampment is unacceptable.
“We have supported TfL with their recent site clearances and wider enforcement action. TFL have recently obtained a new possession order and are working to obtain the writ of possession through the courts. We’ll work with TfL to make sure this happens as quickly as possible.
“The City Council, our charity partners, TfL, and London-wide rough sleeping teams all regularly visit the people on Park Lane. Our support services are comprehensive and there is no reason a person should have to sleep rough – on this site or anywhere else in the city. ”
It’s not the first time London Conservatives have clashed with Labour over the Park Lane camp.
Last month, London mayor Sadiq Khan responded to a question from an upset Londoner asking for the removal of “unhygienic and unsafe” camp by saying: “Migrants and refugee communities face specific barriers to participating in and contributing to life in London, including accessing employment and housing opportunities.
“The Mayor’s position is that London has always been a city that welcomes migrants and provides sanctuary to those who need it. The Mayor is clear that we draw huge strength from the contribution of migrants and refugees who make London their home.”
His answer provoked an angry response from his opposite number in the capital’s assembly Susan Hall.
“I don’t think pooing in the street is the sort of contribution Londoners expect migrants to be making to our city, and I am shocked by the gall of this man to somehow play down the antisocial behaviour gripping Park Lane as ‘enrichment’,” she said.
She added: “It’s disgusting, it’s illegal, and above all else it is not what taxpayers expect to see in the centre of our city. The fact that Sadiq Khan can’t see that speaks volumes about his priorities.”
Drivers told ‘do not take one item out of the car’ to prevent penalties
african-american woman reaches into car glove compartment (Image: Getty )
Motorists in the UK are being advised to keep a crucial item in their glovebox to dodge potential fines and points this summer, as sun glare becomes an increasing hazard on British roads. With the sunny season on the horizon, drivers are encouraged to always have one essential accessory in their glovebox to potentially prevent hefty fines, penalty points, and bad driving conditions.
Experts at Bumper, specialists in car repair finance, are cautioning that abrupt bursts of intense sunlight can significantly impair drivers’ visibility, underscoring the importance of being prepared. They recommend motorists “always keep a spare pair of legal sunglasses in your car” to avoid any issues.
Forgetting to replace your sunglasses after taking them out could cause difficulties not only for you but also for other road users.
A spokesperson from Bumper said: “Sun glare can appear suddenly and completely obscure your vision, especially during early morning or late afternoon driving. Having a spare pair of sunglasses within easy reach could be the difference between driving safely or committing a serious offence.”
While there is no legal obligation to wear sunglasses when driving, Highway Code Rule 237 mandates that drivers must slow down or come to a safe stop if they are “dazzled by bright sunlight”. Ignoring this advice could result in being charged with driving without due care and attention, which may include a £100 instant fine and three penalty points, reports Yorkshire Live.
Sunglasses can be kept in any easy-to-reach compartments in the car (Image: Getty)
The rule in full states: “Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.”
For more severe cases, police can upgrade the charge to dangerous driving. This can result in fines of up to £5,000, increased penalty points, or even a driving ban.
“Being dazzled by the sun and continuing to drive without slowing down could be seen as reckless,” spokesperson from Bumper added. “You don’t need to be in a crash for it to be a legal issue – the risk alone can result in a penalty.”
However, drivers should be cautious as not all sunglasses are suitable for driving. Wearing ‘category four’ dark-tinted lenses, fashion frames with small lenses, or glasses with large side arms could obstruct vision and lead to prosecution.
“Drivers need to be aware that some sunglasses are actually unsafe for road use,” the spokesperson cautioned. “Stick to category two or three lenses, which reduce glare while maintaining clear visibility.”
Those who already require prescription glasses should consider getting prescription sunglasses or anti-glare coatings, especially if their vehicles lack tinting or sun visors.
Alongside visibility issues, drivers are also being reminded to keep their vehicle documentation up to date — particularly when they move house. Failing to inform the DVLA of a change of address can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
This requirement applies not only to your driving licence, but also to your V5C logbook, car tax Direct Debit, and any documents linked to personalised number plates. It even extends to trailers used internationally.
“It’s not just a matter of convenience — it’s a legal requirement,” said another Bumper worker. “Taking five minutes to update your address online could save you from a costly penalty.”
