In a sweeping set of proposals aimed at rescuing a justice system on the brink, former senior judge Sir Brian Leveson has called for prison vans to be permitted to use bus lanes and for a significant expansion of video-link technology for court appearances and even sentencing. The recommendations form part of a major review containing over 130 demands designed to inject urgent efficiency into the courts of England and Wales.
A System in Crisis Demands Radical Action
Sir Brian Leveson, who previously sparked controversy by suggesting curbs on jury trials, has issued a stark warning to critics of reform. He insists that "everything" must be deployed to prevent the courts system from spiralling completely out of control. Branding projections that the backlog could swell to 100,000 cases by 2027 as "unacceptable," Leveson argues that mere efficiency tweaks and increased funding will not suffice to solve the profound crisis.
The retired judge's second major review, published today, urges the Prime Minister to personally oversee the courts crisis, advocating for a radical shake-up of the entire criminal justice apparatus. This call comes amidst significant political turbulence, with the government facing a major rebellion over separate plans to limit jury trials to defendants facing potential jail sentences of three years or more.
Over 130 Recommendations for a More Efficient System
The core of Leveson's report outlines a comprehensive blueprint for change. A central proposal is the creation of a new Prime Minister's criminal justice adviser, a powerful figure positioned at the heart of Government to coordinate the work of courts, prisons, prosecutors, and police.
The practical recommendations are wide-ranging and designed for immediate impact. They include:
- Utilising Bus Lanes for Prison Transport: Allowing prison vans to use bus lanes in urban areas to circumvent traffic congestion, a frequent cause of delayed court arrivals and subsequent adjournments.
- Expanding Remote Video-Link Hearings: Greatly increasing the use of video-link technology, not just for initial appearances but potentially for sentencing convicted criminals directly from jail.
- Reducing Police Administrative Burdens: Freeing up police time by minimising the hours spent redacting files for the Crown Prosecution Service.
- Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the greater integration of AI within the justice system to streamline processes.
Sir Brian has urged ministers and all criminal justice agencies to "get on with it," asserting that many of his proposals could be acted upon without delay. "The police can pick out bits immediately. The CPS can pick up bits immediately. The court, the judiciary can pick up bits immediately. Do I want them to? Yes, I do," he told reporters.
Mounting Backlog and Mixed Reactions
The urgency of the review is underscored by the current state of the Crown Courts. The backlog of cases in England and Wales now stands at approximately 80,000, with some trials being scheduled as far ahead as 2030, leaving victims and defendants in limbo for years.
Justice Secretary David Lammy responded to the report, acknowledging that "efficiencies alone are not a silver bullet," but affirming that making the system more efficient is a "vital part of a wider package" to tackle the delays harming victims.
However, the proposals have met with caution from some legal bodies. Richard Atkinson of the Law Society warned against "unproven headline-grabbing measures" and expressed disagreement with recommendations like providing legal advice via video-link to detainees in police stations, citing potential compromises to fairness.
David Ford, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association, offered a more measured response, praising the "sensible" recommendations on daily court efficiency but voicing concern over suggested changes to magistrates' non-courtroom roles, such as in training and appraisals.
Sir Brian Leveson's message remains unequivocal: the scale of the crisis demands bold and immediate action across every facet of the justice system. "I believe that we need to get on with it," he concluded. "We have got to throw everything at this problem now."
