Hundreds of traffic lights are being adjusted along routes connecting prisons and courts to prevent trial delays. According to David Lammy, more than 1,000 cases were postponed last year due to defendants arriving late. About 300 traffic lights will be modified to increase the likelihood of Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) vans receiving green lights en route to court.
This initiative will impact roads linking HMP Belmarsh and the Old Bailey in London. Justice Secretary Mr. Lammy emphasized the importance of timely justice delivery, stating that delays undermine confidence in the justice system and cause further distress to victims. By ensuring prompt transportation of prisoners, the aim is to reduce court time wastage and enhance the efficiency and fairness of the justice system.
Transport for London (TfL) is adjusting signal timings to prioritize PECS vans, particularly on three routes in the capital, resulting in an average time saving of four minutes between HMP Belmarsh and the Old Bailey. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) estimates potential savings of nearly 53 days if this approach is applied to the backlog of 18,961 cases in London.
In addition to the London pilot scheme, similar efforts are underway in Manchester, Bristol, Salford, and Nottingham to expedite PECS vehicles. Other routes involved in the trial program include roads between HMP Wandsworth and Southwark Crown Court, as well as HMP Thameside and Inner London Crown Court.
