Lib Dems Propose £1,000 Fine for Playing Music Out Loud on Public Transport
The Liberal Democrats have proposed a ban on playing music and videos out loud on public transport in England, with offenders facing fines of up to £1,000.
The plan, set to be introduced as an amendment to the bus services bill currently in Parliament, would prohibit individuals from using speakers or phone loudspeakers on buses, trains, at stations, or at bus stops. A national awareness campaign would accompany the change.
Polling commissioned by the party showed 38% of people regularly experience loud phone use during commutes, with over half saying they would not feel comfortable confronting the person responsible. Among women, that figure rose to 63%.
Lisa Smart, the Lib Dems’ home affairs spokesperson, said the measure aims to protect the “quiet majority” from antisocial behaviour. The Conservatives have indicated conditional support, pending enforceability.
The proposal aligns with existing railway bylaws on antisocial conduct and would bring mobile noise into the same legal category.
