England Plans £100 Fines for Loud Music on Buses

Passengers who play loud music or videos on buses in England could face fines of up to £100 under government plans announced on October 19, 2026, as ministers seek to curb disruptive behavior and improve journeys. The measures also target vaping, littering and threatening conduct, while a nationwide campaign will remind rail passengers to use headphones.

According to the BBC, local authorities have received new guidance on powers introduced earlier in 2026 to address antisocial behavior on buses. The rules still require approval from the transport secretary, and authorized officers, including Transport Safety Officers and police, would enforce them rather than bus drivers.

Existing railway rules already prohibit loud music and singing. Passengers who refuse to comply with instructions to stop can be removed from trains or face fines of up to £1,000, according to the BBC.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government wanted to address a problem that can make journeys unpleasant for other passengers.

"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," said Andy Burnham, Prime Minister.

The rail campaign will appear on train operators' websites, social media accounts and inside carriages. Transport for London already prohibits passengers from playing music or other content aloud under its bylaws.

Transport for London said enforcement officers would initially ask passengers to stop playing audio aloud. Most people comply, the organization said, but those who refuse may be ordered to leave the train or reported for possible prosecution.

Chris McDonald, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, said passengers could report problems to staff or the British Transport Police rather than confronting offenders themselves.

"They don't have to tackle the individual themselves if they don't feel confident to do that," said Chris McDonald, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation.

McDonald's comments addressed concerns about how the proposed restrictions would work in practice, particularly on buses where drivers may be working alone.

Justin, a resident of Newcastle-upon-Tyne who spoke to the BBC, welcomed the proposal but questioned whether authorities could enforce it effectively. He said noise and other antisocial behavior had discouraged him from using buses.

"much rather enjoy my own company with my own music in the isolation of my car" Justin said of his preference for traveling privately rather than experiencing disruptive behavior on public transport.

Transport campaigners and passenger representatives also questioned whether authorities would have sufficient staff and resources to enforce the rules consistently.

Michael Solomon Williams of the Campaign for Better Transport said antisocial behavior could discourage people from using public transport, particularly passengers with accessibility needs. He also questioned how local authorities would secure police support for incidents on buses, where the British Transport Police generally does not operate.

Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA transport union, welcomed the measures but called for stronger action against violence and abuse directed at passengers and transport workers.

"a step in the right direction" said Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA transport union, describing efforts to address antisocial behavior.

Eslamdoust also called for increased funding for the British Transport Police, saying additional resources were important for protecting passengers, responding to incidents and prosecuting violent offenders.

Conservative transport spokesperson Richard Holden said his party had led efforts to address antisocial behavior on public transport. He also cited figures showing assaults against rail staff had risen by 68% and said prosecutions had fallen under the Labour government.

Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Olly Glover argued that enforcement would require dedicated funding for transport safety officers.

"Unless the government funds transport safety officers on the ground, these new rules won't be worth the paper they're printed on," said Olly Glover, Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson.

Transport Focus, the independent passenger watchdog, said personal safety and security were essential to public confidence in rail travel. Alex Campbell of Transport Focus said its research found that four in 10 passengers felt vulnerable when traveling because of antisocial behavior.

"Measures that reduce nuisance behaviour, such as playing loud music and vaping, can help improve people's experience and encourage more people to choose public transport," said Alex Campbell of Transport Focus.

The government says the restrictions are intended to make public transport more comfortable while ensuring that enforcement responsibilities fall to authorized personnel rather than frontline bus drivers.