London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a new campaign to tackle the nuisance of passengers playing music or having loud conversations on speaker mode across the Transport for London (TfL) network. Posters are appearing on the Elizabeth line urging travellers to be considerate, with plans to extend the initiative to buses, the Docklands Light Railway, and Overground and Underground services.
The campaign, part of TfL's wider Travel Kind scheme, aims to remind passengers to use headphones and avoid disturbing others. Seb Dance, deputy mayor for transport, said: 'The vast majority of Londoners use headphones when travelling on public transport in the capital, but the small minority who play music or videos out loud can be a real nuisance.'
The issue has gained political traction, with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats calling for stricter measures. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden stated passengers should not have to 'endure somebody else’s choice of crap music,' while the Lib Dems have proposed fines of up to £1,000 for 'headphone dodgers.'
Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Paul Kohler welcomed TfL's move, saying: 'Playing music and videos out loud on public transport has a real impact on other passengers’ lives. It’s now time for the Government to face the music by silencing it, with tougher action including fixed penalty notices across all public transport.'
