Rail passengers across Britain are up in arms after a leading train operator quietly rolled out a stringent new bylaw that could see them hit with a £100 penalty for the simple act of playing music or taking a phone call.
Avanti West Coast, which operates vital routes along the West Coast Mainline between London Euston and major cities like Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham, has granted its staff the power to issue fixed penalty notices for causing 'unnecessary annoyance' through noise.
What Constitutes a 'Noise Offence'?
The controversial policy casts a wide net, targeting behaviours many commuters consider a normal part of travel. The specific activities that could land you a fine include:
- Playing music audibly through a device's speakers instead of headphones.
- Engaging in loud phone conversations that disturb fellow passengers.
- Creating any other form of 'excessive noise' deemed disruptive by staff.
The rule is an extension of the Railway Byelaws, specifically Byelaw 6, which prohibits behaviour that could 'annoy' other passengers.
A 'Stealth Tax' or Necessary Measure?
The reaction from passenger advocacy groups and the public has been fiercely critical. Many have labelled the fine a 'stealth tax' and an overly punitive measure for a common nuisance.
Critics argue that while noisy passengers can be irritating, a financial penalty of this magnitude is disproportionate. They fear it will be applied inconsistently and could lead to confrontational situations between staff and passengers over what is inherently a subjective complaint—how loud is too loud?
Defenders of the policy, however, suggest it is a necessary tool to ensure a peaceful environment for all travellers, especially on long-distance services where people are working or resting.
The Legal Backing and Enforcement
The fines are not an empty threat. The bylaw is enforceable by prosecution in a magistrates' court for those who refuse to pay, potentially leading to a criminal record and a larger fine of up to £1,000.
This move by Avanti West Coast highlights the ongoing tension between individual freedom and collective comfort on public transport. It raises significant questions about how such rules are enforced and whether education and polite requests should be the first port of call, rather than immediate financial penalties.
For now, commuters are being advised to ensure their headphones are securely plugged in and to keep phone calls brief and quiet to avoid an unexpectedly expensive journey.
