Prison vans to get Tvs...presumably showing Porridge and Cell Block H

PRISON vans are getting TV screens fitted in each small cubicle for prisoners to use as they travel to other jails and to and from court.

High-tech vehicles are replacing the original fleet to make the journeys more comfortable and safer. They include “infotainment” touchscreen devices inside.

The screens will initially be used to display factual information about a detainee’s rights in court or what to expect at the prison they are being taken to.

However, it is expected they will eventually show movies or music during journeys, said the prison newspaper Inside Times.

The vans also feature comfortable seating, more storage for prisoners’ property, better CCTV, improved tracking to keep the vans running on time and seat belts. A Ministry of Justice source said: “The point is improving decency and welfare, and making sure those in custody are as comfortable and well-informed as possible.”

Toilet stops every two hours on longer journeys have also been introduced at secure locations such as courts, police stations or prisons – avoiding the need for prisoners to use plastic gel bags. The changes come after an accident on August 10 involving an older-style van with no seat belts, which crashed on the A27 dual carriageway when it collided with a lorry and came to rest on its side, just minutes from Lewes prison.

A 29-year-old prisoner was freed and taken to hospital with serious head injuries. He was initially described as critical but is now stable. An investigation is under way.