Train passengers who play loud music could be fined up to £1,000 under new government plans to tackle antisocial behaviour, a move expected to draw strong support from commuters.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham launched the campaign against what he called "headphone dodgers" this morning, appealing to people who have had their journeys disrupted by loud music and videos. He 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."
How the fines would work
The policy, unveiled as part of a wider campaign against nuisance behaviour, would give local transport authorities the power to levy £100 fines for non-compliance, with train operators able to issue fines of up to £1,000.
Ministers will issue guidance to local transport chiefs on how the new powers, granted under the Bus Services Act, should be applied. The guidance will say authorities should issue £100 fines if passengers refuse to comply with a request to stop nuisance behaviour. Those requests would be made by transport safety or police officers, rather than drivers.
Public support for the policy
The move is expected to find significant public backing, with a YouGov poll from 2025 finding that more than 60 percent support fines for loud passengers. The poll of 6,815 people found that 29 percent "strongly support" fines of up to £1,000, and 33 percent "somewhat support" the move. Overall, 62 percent, or more than 4,000 respondents, supported the policy, while 37 percent opposed it.
News of the announcement has drawn reactions on social media, with one user saying: "Definitely, wear your ear pods/head phones please. Often children watching films/adults talking on loudspeaker and music playing to loud or sometimes just enough to just hear bits which is very annoying. I do ask to turn down. Some do, a lot dont." Another user added: "GOOD! And while you're at it, double the fine for people taking speakerphone calls as well."
Broader antisocial behaviour measures
Expanding on the plans, Burnham said the nationwide campaign would also allow local leaders to directly tackle vaping and littering. He said: "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."
