Loud phones on trains: Britain launches a quiet-travel campaign

The UK government launched a campaign on 19 October against playing music and video aloud on trains. It also issued guidance to local transport authorities on tackling litter, vaping, threats and loud music on buses. The stated aim is a calmer and safer everyday journey.

The campaign and penalties are different things. On buses, local authorities can create rules and issue fixed penalties of up to £100, with each local byelaw subject to approval. On trains, a passenger who refuses an authorised staff member’s request to stop may be removed at the next station or prosecuted. The government cites a possible maximum fine of £1,000. That is not an automatic charge for every sound from a phone.

Enforcement will determine whether the change is felt. A poster alone does little if rules are unclear or applied inconsistently, especially for passengers who find noise particularly difficult. The government says bus drivers will not be asked to police incidents; authorised officers will handle them.

Source: UK Department for Transport.