1. Material conditions
When vehicles are equipped with secure compartments, individual cubicles measuring less
than 0.6 m² should not be used for transporting a person, no matter how short the
duration. Individual cubicles measuring some 0.6 m² can be considered as acceptable for
short journeys/distances; however, cubicles used for longer journeys/distances should be
much larger.5
Compartments or cubicles intended to transport more than one detainee for short
journeys/distances should offer no less than 0.4 m² of space per person, and preferably
more. As regards longer journeys/distances, compartments should offer at least 0.6 m² of
personal space.6
Compartments or cubicles used for transporting detainees should be of a reasonable
height.7
All transport vehicles should be clean,8 sufficiently lit and ventilated, and heated
appropriately.9
Transport vehicles should be equipped with suitable means of rest (such as appropriate
benches or seats).10
For overnight transport by train, compartments should be equipped with beds or sleeping
platforms, and inmates should be provided with mattresses and sheets/blankets during
the journey.11
The necessary arrangements should be made to provide detainees with drinking water as
required and, for long journeys/distances, with food at appropriate intervals.12
In the context of long journeys, arrangements should be made to allow detainees to have
access to sanitary facilities or to satisfy the needs of nature in conditions offering
sufficient privacy, hygiene and dignity. When travelling by road, this implies the
organisation of regular stops.13
Detainees brought before a court following a long journey should be placed under
conditions which guarantee respect for their dignity. In particular, they should be offered
appropriate rest and the opportunity to wash and change their clothes.14
5
Ukraine: Visit 2009, § 44, Lithuania: Visit 2008, § 31, Azerbaijan: Visit 2006, § 41, Lithuania: Visit 2004, §§ 44-45,
Azerbaijan: Visit 2002, § 152, United Kingdom: Visit 2001, § 30, Ukraine: Visit 2000, § 129, Lithuania: Visit 2000, § 118,
Ukraine: Visit 1998, § 189
6
Greece: Visit 2005, § 134, Slovenia: Visit 2001, § 95, Ukraine: Visit 2000, § 131, Lithuania: Visit 2000, § 118
7
Moldova: Visit 2007, §§ 73 and 76
8
Lithuania: Visit 2000, § 111
9
Slovenia: Visit 2012, § 72, Azerbaijan: Visit 2006, § 41, Ireland: Visit 2006, § 101, Romania: Visit 2006, § 151,
Greece: Visit 2005, § 134, Spain: Visit 2003, § 34, Slovenia: Visit 2001, § 95, Ukraine: Visit 1998, § 189,
Bulgaria: Visit 1995, §§ 176-177
10
Azerbaijan: Visit 2006, § 41
11
Azerbaijan: Visit 2002, § 154
12
Greece: Visit 2013, § 150, Greece: Visit 2009, § 153, Ukraine: Visit 2000, § 131
13
Greece: Visit 2013, § 150, Greece: Visit 2009, § 153, United Kingdom: Visit 2005 (November), § 23,
Lithuania: Visit 2000, § 118
14
Lithuania: Visit 2000, §§ 117-118
2