Key facts
- Fines of up to £100 may be issued for playing loud music on buses.
- New powers allow local authorities to impose rules on buses.
- Authorised officers, not bus drivers, will enforce the new rules.
- A national campaign aims to encourage passengers to be considerate of noise levels.
Passengers playing loud music on buses in England could face fines of up to £100 under new government measures aimed at curbing antisocial behavior. The proposed crackdown, which also targets littering, vaping, and threatening conduct, seeks to improve the experience of public transport users. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated that small changes in behavior can significantly enhance passenger experiences. New guidance has been issued to local authorities on existing powers that allow them to impose rules on buses. However, enforcement will be carried out by authorised officers, such as Transport Safety Officers and the Police, rather than bus drivers. A national campaign, 'share the carriage, not the noise,' will be launched across various platforms to remind rail passengers to be considerate of noise levels. While campaigners and unions have welcomed the move to tackle antisocial behavior, some have raised concerns about the practicalities of enforcement and the need for increased police presence to address more serious issues like violence against transport workers.