Transport for London has confirmed it is again seeking a court order to dismantle a homeless camp in Park Lane as new tents emerged just months after it was last cleared.
At least a dozen people have set up a makeshift campsite opposite the luxury Park Lane Hilton hotel, bringing with them furniture and cooking equipment.
The strip of land in the middle of the road close to Hyde Park has periodically been used by the homeless for around a decade.
In October TfL, which manages the area, was granted a possession order by the Central London County Court to clear the site and move the occupants on.
But some of the people have returned, prompting complaints from residents and businesses in the area.
Aid workers and the local council’s outreach teams have been visiting the site at least three times a week to check on those living there.
TfL on Tuesday confirmed that it has an appointment to apply for a possession order at the Central London County Court order on May 22 “to ensure everyone’s safety” and clear the camp.
A TfL spokesman said: “Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and our focus has always been on the safety and welfare of everyone involved.
"We have been working closely with Westminster council and other partners over many months to try to resolve the issue at Park Lane compassionately and safely.
“We had to take enforcement action to regain possession of the site on two occasions last year, however, a number of people have returned with tents and other belongings.
“In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we have an appointment to apply for a possession order at the Central London County Court on May 22.”
Westminster council said a “long-term resolution” was being sought to permanently dismantle the camp.
A town hall spokesman said “everyone wants to see a safe, long-term resolution to the persistent issues at this site and we’re work with TfL to make that a reality as quickly as possible.”
He added: “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.
"The city council, our charity partners, TfL and London wide rough sleeping teams all regularly visit the people sleeping rough 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.
“The reasons people live on the street are complex, and many sleeping rough have a range of needs or disabilities.
“We have supported TfL, who maintain the site, with their recent possession orders - ensuring anybody displaced is able to access help and has an opportunity to get off of the street and into accommodation.”
In 2021, Westminster council cleared piles of rubbish and dismantle tents after a previous encampment left the same Park Lane strip of land.
A community of around 40 people also set up there in 2014, spilling over into a neighbouring subway.
Traders along Park Lane complained that the group used a covered area as a toilet and left mountains of litter outside shopfronts.
