Playing music on public transport will cost £1000 fine in rare sensible LibDem policy

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a new law that would see antisocial train and bus passengers hit with fines for blaring music out on public transport. The party is demanding action on the scourge of "headphone dodgers" ruining the lives of commuters and fellow passengers by playing songs and videos out loud from their phones or tablets.

The call comes as a new poll finds that 54% of Britons say they would not feel comfortable asking someone to turn down their music on public transport. Meanwhile 38% of voters say they have experienced this increasingly annoying behaviour either often or sometimes. Women in particular say they are uncomfortable intervening to call out the rude behaviour, with 63% reporting that they would not do so.

The LibDems are seeking to amend the government's Bus Services Bill going through parliament, to extend the list of antisocial behaviours on public transport currently eligible for police action.

Existing railway and TfL byelaws only allow fines for specific antisocial behaviour, including dropping litter and using threatening language.

The party's amendment would change the current legislation to make clear that playing music and videos out loud from a phone also counts as unacceptable behaviour, and should be punishable with a fine of up to £1,000.

Councils would also be empowered to do the same for buses.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesman Lisa Smart said: "Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of antisocial behaviour - and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders."

"Whether you're heading to work, taking your kids to school, or simply trying to enjoy a moment of peace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport.

"Time and time again, I hear from people who say they feel too intimidated to speak up when someone is blasting music or other content from a phone or speaker.

"That's why the Liberal Democrats are calling for tough action on those who show complete disregard for others by playing loud music in shared spaces, including fines of up to £1000. It's time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace."

In 2022 transport bosses were slammed after they dismissed complaints from passengers about the use of smartphones without headphones.

Transport for London appeared to give a green light to the behaviour, telling complainants: "People are permitted to listen or watch any form of media while travelling".

TfL also recommended those irritated by their fellow passengers to get off the train and find a member of staff.

In 2022 a man was killed at Reading Station after he asked a fellow passenger to stop playing loud music.

Kirkpatrick Virgo, 42, attacked Thomas Parker, 24, hitting him over the head with a metal horseshoe following a row about Mr Virgo's use of a portable speaker.

Mr Virgo was jailed for more than 21 years in 2023 as a result of the attack.

Last year not a single individual was prosecuted for blaring music out on the London Transport Network.

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: "There are already strict rules in place to prevent anti-social behaviour on public transport, including possible fines of up to £1,000."

"We are also introducing further measures to help tackle anti-social behaviour on the bus network, including mandatory training for staff on how to respond to incidents."