Burnham targets loud music on transport

Andy Burnham has announced a crackdown on people who play loud music on public transport without headphones. A campaign with the tagline share the journey, not the noise is being launched this week.

“share the journey, not the noise”

What the new rules cover

Ministers will issue guidance to local transport authorities on cracking down on littering, vandalism, vaping, rowdy and threatening behaviour, drinking alcohol and excessive noise including playing music or videos out loud without headphones.

Bus fines up to one hundred pounds

Under the new guidance, authorities can issue fines of up to one hundred pounds if bus passengers refuse to comply with a request to stop playing music out loud.

Train companies have stronger powers

Train companies already have the power to issue fines of up to one thousand pounds for antisocial behaviour.The Liberal Democrats called for bus travellers to face the same one thousand pound fines as train passengers.

Public backs the fines

A YouGov poll found voters not only support a one hundred pound fine, many would back a one thousand pound fine for people playing music out loud on buses and trains.

Unions say fines are inadequate

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the proposals are well meaning but wholly inadequate to tackle the violence bus workers face daily. She said the proposed penalties will not deal with the issues facing workers.

“wholly inadequate to tackle the challenges and violence bus workers are facing on a daily basis”