This is why we need locks on gates, trespass signs and cameras.

[simon-limon]

An open gate seems to be interpreted as “permission to enter”.

If there is a notice at the gate along the lines of “Warning: An open gate is NOT to be interpreted as permission to enter. Entry by invitation only”

Would this be enough to override the ruling on open gates?

[morag-janet-of-the-hill-family]

These are my suggestions…Your signs may be adequate could be but there is a rule that when the gates are not locked there is implied right of entry to the front door, so they might still enter. If you don’t want to lock your gates you just have competently written trespass signs with stated penalties for infractions on them on every entry point and an Application to Enter Private Property at your fingertips. (if you want a copy of that then let me know). If they come to your front door you can get them to agree that they saw the trespass signs three times and maybe then you hand them the Application to Enter Private Property which they must fill out (and pay the non refundable application fee) before they have permission to come on your property again (and it is up to you as to whether you give them that permission). In my opinion it’s just a matter of knowing what to do and what questions to ask to put them and if we are prepared in advance then nothing they do will ruffle our feathers and we will always know how to deal with whatever is happening in the most effective way.

[simon-limon]

Please send the template for ‘Application to Enter Private Property’. Thank you

Would be nice to have that as a backup should any pirates decide to ignore signs and trespass!

[morag-janet-of-the-hill-family]

I know locked gates and cameras and trespass signs work as my friend did this and she had four police come to her property and they would not cross the locked gate with a trespass sign affixed beside it. She caught this on camera. She still had documents at her door in preparation just in case they unlawfully trespassed. There have been huge settlements in court for unlawful trespass by police, but if we decide not to protect our property then the police can get away with so much unlawful behaviour because without trespass signs etc it’s just our word against theirs..

[simon-limon]

Thank you.

Locking the gate is possible, but would be very time consuming.
I was hoping there was a way via a notice to overrule the ‘open gate implied entry’ ruling

[morag-janet-of-the-hill-family]

Yes it does take a little longer to lock and unlock but we soon got used to it at our place and it give us peace of mind.