‘Headphone dodgers’ face new fines as Burnham launches crackdown

People who play music out loud on buses could face fines of up to £1,000 in strict new rules.

A campaign with the tagline ‘share the journey, not the noise’ reminding train passengers to use headphones will also be launched on Monday.

The push forms part of a wider crackdown on antisocial behaviour across public transport.

Under the new measures, people who play music out loud on buses could be hit with £100 fines.

Local authorities are being encouraged to use new powers to levy fines for nuisance behaviour on buses, including littering, vaping and listening to music without headphones.

Guidance published on Monday by the Department for Transport sets out how the new legislation can be used.

Local authorities gained the power to set and enforce their own rules on their bus networks earlier this year.

Any rules drawn up under the powers will need to be signed off by the Transport Secretary.

They will be enforced by specialist transport safety officers rather than bus drivers.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham 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.

“So, we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains.”

He added: “It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “It is so frustrating when the actions of an inconsiderate few spoil journeys for the rest of us, whether that is vaping, littering or blasting music out loud.

“Even small changes in behaviour can make a massive difference to people’s experience on public transport.”

Antisocial behaviour on public transport has become an increasingly prominent issue.

The Liberal Democrats called for action against “headphone dodgers” last year.

Ben Plowden, chief executive of the Campaign for Better Transport, said antisocial behaviour could be “a real deterrent” to using public transport.

He said: “If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”