Bus lanes to aid court efficiency

In a bid to improve the efficiency of the court system, the UK Government has initiated a plan to allow prison vans access to bus lanes, with the aim of reducing prisoner transport delays. These changes will enable defendants to reach court on time, helping to prevent avoidable disruptions that have historically resulted in lengthy waits for victims seeking justice. Last year alone, over 1,000 court cases were delayed due to defendants failing to arrive punctually, leading to wasted court capacity and significant distress for victims.

One successful example of this initiative is the route operating between HMP Forest Bank and Manchester Crown Court, which has reportedly cut journey times by up to a third. As Courts Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP noted, "Victims should not be left waiting because a defendant is stuck in traffic. Giving prison vans access to priority bus lanes is a simple but practical idea that could save valuable time." This common-sense approach aims to allow court staff to focus on their roles and ensure that victims receive the timely justice they deserve.

The Government’s push for wider adoption of this scheme follows successful implementations in cities like Bristol, Salford, and Nottingham. With a significant backlog of Crown Court cases now at a record 80,829, the requested collaboration from local councils represents a crucial step toward alleviating pressure on the justice system.

Prison vans, formally known as the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service, facilitate around 350,000 prisoner movements to court annually, underscoring their essential role within the justice system. In support of ongoing improvements, the Government has established the new Prisoner Delivery Oversight Board, which brings together key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system to address the root causes of delays and enhance accountability among service providers.