Fife Council looks set to follow Aberdeen’s lead on plans to crack down on illegal gypsy-traveller encampments.
The authority has announced it will lobby the Scottish Government, as well as local government umbrella body Cosla, in an effort to change existing laws.
Fife’s Conservative group, a junior member of a Labour-led coalition administration, called for action in April last year to designate certain areas as “sensitive”.
The move followed a succession of unauthorised camps in local industrial estates.
Aberdeen has already approved the wording of a proposed by-law to prohibit overnight camping in specified areas of the city such as public parks.
It has been sent to the Scottish Government, which would have to approve the local legislation before it can be enforced.
Fife Tory group leader Dave Dempsey said: “Fife Council will lobby the Scottish Government and Cosla for a change in the law. It will also look at the possible use of by-laws. It’s not the solution but it’s a step in the right direction.
“It’s rightly recognised that gypsy-travellers have a distinct culture that should be respected, encouraged and protected. That’s happening and there are plenty of quiet successes.
“However, it’s wrong that a small minority, straying beyond what’s generally acceptable, should bring the majority into disrepute”.
Aberdeen Labour group secretary Willie Young welcomed the move, and predicted that further Scottish councils could soon follow suit.
He said: “This is exactly what happened with the drinking in public places by-law.
“One council started it, and eventually 28 of 32 authorities wanted a by-law. Local legislation means that we can protect our citizens, that’s why it is a good idea. It does not need an Act of Parliament, just a local solution to a local problem.”
At present, there is a presumption against prosecution of gypsy-travellers, who are classed as an ethnic minority group.
Under the terms of the by-law drafted by the city council, it would be an offence to stop in the designated areas between 6pm and 6am – with fines of up to £500 for anyone caught flouting the restrictions.