Prime Minister Andy Burnham has launched a new nationwide campaign urging passengers to use headphones on public transport, saying "enough is enough" over nuisance behaviour such as playing music or videos out loud.
In a video shared on social media, Mr Burnham described the practice as "one of the most annoying things" for fellow travellers. The campaign, which came into force today (Monday, October 19), aims to remind people to use headphones instead of playing audio out loud on buses and trains.
New powers for local leaders
The UK government's new campaign will encourage local leaders to use new powers to issue fines for nuisance behaviour. Speaking in the video, Mr Burnham said: "You're on a train, maybe you're trying to work, maybe you're reading. Maybe you've finally got your child to sleep, and then somebody starts blasting music videos on their phone at full volume. We've all been there."
He added: "Most people are considerate. They use headphones and they respect the people around them. But a small number don't and it can make the journey miserable for everybody else."
Fines for vaping and littering
Mr Burnham said the new powers would also allow local leaders to crack down on other nuisance behaviour on buses, including vaping and littering. People could face £100 fines under the new measures.
"Public transport belongs to everyone, so let's make it work for everyone. And if you're watching this video on the train, headphones please," he said.
Members of the public welcomed the campaign, with one user commenting: "Honestly this is genuinely been needed for a while, thank you Andy." Another wrote: "Thank you, wow! It's about time, that's fantastic."
Reaction from transport groups
Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said antisocial behaviour could be "a real deterrent" to using public transport. He said: "If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride."
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "It is so frustrating when the actions of an inconsiderate few spoil journeys for the rest of us, whether that is vaping, littering or blasting music out loud. Even small changes in behaviour can make a massive difference to people's experience on public transport."
