Increasing security measures being put in place by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) have been a growing cause of delays and frustration amongst solicitors and barristers, who have to pass through security along with all other court users. Procedures such as "sip tests", in which anyone entering a court building has to take a sip from any drink they bring with them in order to prove the contents are harmless, and being required to use plastic cutlery, are being applied to professional court users and causing significant delays and hindrances as a result.

To address these frustrations, HMCTS are piloting an electronic ID card scheme that will allow solicitors and barristers to bypass onerous security measures. If the scheme is successful it is understood that it will be rolled out nationwide, exempting solicitors and barristers from many of the current security procedures currently in place.

Commenting on the pilot scheme, Law Society president, Christina Blacklaws, said: We have been speaking to HMCTS officials about the delays our members face in clearing security and we support the plans for a pilot scheme. It is clear that improved access for regular court users could lead to efficiency improvements and this will benefit the court service, and lawyers alike.