Justice secretary Jack Straw has heralded the success of the UK's first virtual court cases, saying the system will cut the cost and speed up the process of delivering justice.

Two cases have now used the virtual court system, which provides a secure video link between Charing Cross police station and Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court.

"Virtual courts have the potential to transform how the justice system deals with crimes," said Straw.

"They are vital in the government's drive to deliver swift justice resolving cases faster, freeing up police time and improving the service given to victims, witnesses and defendants."

The government believes the system could save £10m a year if rolled out across England and Wales. It said virtual courts can reduce delays caused by defendants not turning up, or paperwork being unavailable, and will save money by reducing the volumes of prisoner transport.

One of the cases that used the system lasted just 20 minutes, with the defendant pleading guilty to drink driving.

The judiciary would welcome any innovations that could improve the efficiency of the courts, while preserving the integrity of the justice system, said Lord Justice Leveson, the senior presiding judge for England and Wales.

"Using technology such as this to reduce delay must therefore be worthy of further investigation," he said.

A further 14 police stations will join the one-year pilot scheme this summer.