Passengers Playing Loud Music on Buses in England Could Face £100 Fine
Passengers playing loud music or engaging in other antisocial behavior on buses in England could face fines of up to £100 under new government measures.
Passengers on buses in England who play loud music, litter, vape, or engage in threatening behavior could be fined up to £100 as part of a government effort to tackle antisocial conduct. These measures aim to improve journeys across all forms of public transport. Additionally, a national campaign for rail passengers, urging them to "share the carriage, not the noise," is being launched.
Highlights
- Fines of up to £100 could be imposed on bus passengers playing loud music.
- The new measures also target littering, vaping, and threatening behavior.
- Local authorities are being granted new powers to enforce these rules.
- A national campaign for rail passengers, "share the carriage, not the noise," is being introduced.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that loud music can quickly spoil a journey.
Details
The government has issued new guidance to local authorities on powers, introduced earlier this year, to help them crack down on loud music and other antisocial behavior on buses in England. These new powers allow local authorities to impose new rules on buses, but they still require approval from the Transport Secretary. Bus drivers will not be responsible for enforcing the new rules; instead, authorized officers, including Transport Safety Officers and the Police, will handle incidents.
Chris McDonald, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, noted that passengers can report complaints to staff or the British Transport Police. Under existing powers, individuals who refuse to stop disruptive behavior can be removed from a train or fined up to £1,000. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that small changes in behavior can significantly improve the public transport experience for many.
Why it matters
Antisocial behavior on public transport can deter people from using these services, impacting their comfort and safety. These new measures aim to enhance the quality of journeys and encourage more people to choose public transport. However, questions remain regarding the practical enforcement of these rules and whether sufficient staffing will be provided to ensure their effectiveness.