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IN BRIEF
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In the Lyon metropolis, thirteen caravans belonging to Traveller families settled without authorization on agricultural land in Genas. Following an administrative procedure, the court annulled the expulsion order issued by the prefecture and compelled the State to pay 800 euros to the occupants. This fact illustrates the complexity of managing temporary installations of itinerant groups and the lack of appropriate solutions in the Lyon area.
Installation of thirteen caravans on agricultural land: a delicate situation
From May 1st, thirteen caravans, gathering about ten families, settled on an agricultural field located in the municipality of Genas, in the Lyon metropolis. This occupation took place without prior authorization, which quickly prompted reactions from the landowner as well as the municipality. A complaint was filed to end this installation that did not comply with local regulations regarding the use of agricultural land.
The contested prefectural order before the courts
The prefecture, seized by the mayor of Genas, ordered the people present to leave the premises within 24 hours by issuing a notification order. However, this decision was contested by the concerned families. Taking the case before the administrative court of Lyon, they relied on the law of July 5, 2000, which tightly regulates the procedures for such actions: an accelerated eviction is legally based only if concrete risks to public health, safety, or tranquility are established.
The administrative court rules in favor of the Travellers
Upon examination, the court found no damage or sanitary issues. No significant public order disturbance had been reported during the period of occupation. Consequently, the prefectural order was purely annulled. To cover the expenses incurred by the families in this procedure, the State was ordered to pay them 800 euros. This ruling highlights the necessity for strict adherence to legality, even in situations of tension with itinerant groups. More information about this type of occupation and its practical consequences can be found in a dossier dedicated to Traveller groups around Lyon.
The absence of tolerated stopping areas, a persistent issue in Lyon
The occupants justified their installation by the saturation of traditional reception areas in Genas, which are already permanently occupied, and by the unavailability of neighboring tolerated stopping areas currently under construction. This situation is not isolated: the Lyon metropolis has no tolerated stopping area to temporarily accommodate groups on the move, while the Rhône department has several. This observation is recurrent, as highlighted in a dossier on the challenges related to the creation of such infrastructures in the Lot region.
Local reactions and calls for action
Faced with these reception difficulties, the mayor of Genas lamented the lack of appropriate response from the metropolis and reiterated his request for the creation of a tolerated stopping area in the Lyon area to facilitate temporary accommodation without disturbing local order. It should be noted that these situations often generate misunderstandings and tensions, as evidenced by other events related to the management of Travellers and reception facilities, notably reported during the tourist season. Furthermore, the issue of installation, refusal, and judicial decisions in this area remains current, as evidenced by a recent ruling on a stopping area for Travellers contested by local residents.
Towards better management of temporary occupations
This case once again highlights the complexity of coexistence between settled individuals and Travellers in France, as well as the need for pragmatic solutions to avoid conflicts related to the temporary occupation of private land. Consultation between local authorities, prefectures, and representatives of itinerant groups is essential to anticipate needs. At the same time, the preservation of public order must be reconciled with the respect for everyone’s fundamental rights. To delve deeper into this subject, one can consult the dossier on the management and protection of former passage routes used by caravan groups, available here.
