Andy Burnham has fronted a new government campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport, targeting "headphone dodgers" who play loud music, along with other measures to improve journeys for all passengers.
The measures announced today also address littering, vaping and threatening behaviour, with rule-breakers facing fines of up to £100. The government said it had issued new guidance to local authorities on powers introduced earlier this year, helping them crack down on loud music and other antisocial behaviour on buses in England. These new powers allow local authorities to impose rules on buses, but they still need to be signed off by the Transport Secretary.
Campaign Aims to Improve Journeys
In a statement, Burnham said: "We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone. It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey."
"So, we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses."
"It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us."
Enforcement and Penalties
Audio reminders of the rules will be played on railways across the country. The slogan of the proposed crackdown invites passengers to "share the carriage, not the noise". Under current rules, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by an authorised rail staff member, they can be removed from the train or face fines of up to £1,000.
Commenting on how fines will be enforced, Chris McDonald, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, told BBC Breakfast that passengers can complain to staff "or the British Transport Police if they wish".
"They don't have to tackle the individual themselves if they don't feel confident to do that," he said, adding that people can text the British Transport Police.
Union and Public Response
The general secretary of the TSSA transport union, Maryam Eslamdoust, said tackling antisocial behaviour on public transport was "a step in the right direction". However, she added that the government must also "urgently confront the violence, threats and abuse faced by passengers and transport workers".
In a YouGov poll commissioned last year, 62% of Brits said they 'strongly support' or 'somewhat support' a crackdown on people playing music loudly on public transport.
