Government pushes for court hearings by phone

Court defendants could soon be allowed to attend their procedural hearings over the telephone if plans for a government project are accepted.

The Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA) is calling for opinions on proposals for a national scheme where people in civil court hearings could phone in rather than appear in person.

The DCA claims the scheme would save time and money as people working in court (solicitors, for example) could avoid travelling for the listing and allocation of cases.

Baroness Cathy Ashton, a minister for the DCA, said: "This scheme provides real benefits to court users. It will save them time and money as well as making the court system more efficient."

The consultation follows pilot schemes in Luton, Bedford and Newcastle County Courts between 2003 and 2005.

The DCH said that surveys taken during the pilots found most people involved said the scheme saved money and thought that it should be rolled out nationally.