Loud music and videos from mobile phones are becoming a growing annoyance for many passengers on public transport in the UK. As the Liberal Democrats propose new legislation to curb the noise, they are calling for hefty fines of up to £1,000 for individuals who refuse to use headphones when playing media in public spaces.
According to the party, current laws do not go far enough in addressing this form of anti-social behaviour, which disrupts commuters’ journeys. While playing music aloud on public transport is already prohibited under some byelaws, the Lib Dems argue that these rules need clearer enforcement.
The party’s proposed amendment to the Bus Services Bill, currently under debate in Parliament, seeks to explicitly outlaw the practice of playing sounds from mobile devices in shared public spaces, and make penalties more stringent.
Public Discomfort Over Loud Music on Trains and Buses
Recent data from a Savanta survey commissioned by the Liberal Democrats revealed that nearly 40% of Britons have experienced loud music being played on trains or buses either frequently or occasionally.
More than half of the survey participants, particularly women, admitted that they would feel uncomfortable confronting those responsible for the noise. This indicates a widespread reluctance to speak up against such behaviour, leaving passengers to endure the disruption in silence.
The call for change is led by Lisa Smart, the Lib Dems’ spokesperson for home affairs, who emphasised that “far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of anti-social behaviour.”
According to Smart, the new legislation would protect commuters and ensure that public transport remains a space where everyone can travel in peace, without being subjected to intrusive noise.
The proposal has attracted support from other political figures, including Conservative shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon, who argued that such measures are necessary to address a broader shift in public attitudes towards anti-social behaviour.
Bacon highlighted that while loud music may seem trivial, it contributes to a growing tolerance for behaviour that undermines social civility.
Legal Framework and the Push for Stricter Enforcement
The current legal framework already allows for fines of up to £1,000 for anti-social behaviour on public transport, such as dropping litter or using offensive language.
However, the Lib Dems believe that laws should be adapted to more clearly address the issue of loud media. In addition to the Bus Services Bill amendment, the party is pushing for a national publicity campaign to raise awareness of the new rules.
The Liberal Democrats have also suggested that councils should be given the authority to enforce similar rules on buses. This would be in line with existing provisions under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which allows local authorities to take action against behaviour that is deemed disruptive or inappropriate in public spaces.
Despite backing from a wide range of politicians, the Lib Dems face an uphill battle to get the measures passed. With no clear support from the government, the success of the proposal will depend on further negotiations and the outcome of upcoming parliamentary debates.
Nonetheless, the proposal has sparked a broader conversation about how the UK should deal with the increasing presence of disruptive behaviour in public spaces.
