Martin Lewis has prompted a debate after clashing with two train passengers who he alleged were playing videos at full volume on her phone. The personal finance expert posted on X that he and his family were on a packed carriage when a couple across the aisle caused the disturbance on Sunday (September 27).
Encounter with serial killer documentary
Lewis told his followers that he managed to stay tight-lipped until the woman started playing a documentary about serial killers as he was travelling with his daughter. He recalled "politely" asking the woman, who didn't recognise him, to turn down the volume as the content was "not appropriate", to which he said she replied: "'I'm sure she's heard worse at school'."
The Money Saving Expert founder said that that wasn't her call to make and asked if she could turn down the sound. Lewis said she responded, saying: "'It's a public train for Heaven's sake'."
Reactions and existing rules
Lewis commented: "For me that's exactly why it is antisocial (and what headphones were invented for). I'm wondering which one of us is out of kilter on this?" He added: "PS I should note she did thankfully reduce the volume and we all left it there".
Existing byelaws ban many types of antisocial behaviour on trains. This includes using devices to make sounds without permission of it annoys other people. The Liberal Democrats last year called for a change in the law to ban playing music and videos out loud on a phone while on trains and buses in England.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said strict rules already exist to prevent antisocial behaviour on public transport, with fines up to £1,000.
Public figures and followers weigh in
Lewis's experience appeared to chime with a number of his followers, including former Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies. In a reply to Lewis's tweet, she commented: "The general lack of consideration for others in public spaces is abysmal".
Scottish singer, Amy Macdonald, replied: "It’s her that’s in the wrong. It’s the most self centred, ridiculous behaviour. You’re better than me - I give people about 60 seconds grace time before telling them to shut it". Another X user, tweeting from an account named They think it's all over..., wrote in reply: "You're not the one out of kilter. It's not pure ignorance on their part either."
The 'It's all about me. Look at me' society, in all of its glory. Don't get me going on 'feet on seats' either". Fellow X user, Rob, said Lewis was 100% in the right, adding: "I have to tell people in my local café that I don't really want to sit there whilst they conduct a conversation on their phone at high volume. Surprisingly, I've encountered this more from the older age bracket than the younger".
X user, Steve Alibone, said: "Sadly this is the country we now live in, people only concerned about themselves, no respect for fellow citizens or property." The erosion of discipline at school and in the home, and knowing right from wrong. It will only get worse".
