Tories Call for On-the-Spot Fines for Loud Music on Buses and Trains, Echoing Earlier Lib Dem Proposals

Published: 25 August 2025. the English Chronicle Desk

The Conservative Party has renewed calls for tougher enforcement against passengers playing loud music on public transport, urging the introduction of on-the-spot fines for offenders on both buses and trains. The move comes months after the Liberal Democrats proposed similar measures, highlighting ongoing concerns over antisocial behaviour in the UK’s public transport system.

Former Conservative chairman Richard Holden argued that commuters should not be subjected to “somebody else’s choice of crap music” while travelling. He emphasised that both rail and bus passengers deserve protection from disruptive behaviour, calling for enforcement measures that would allow swift action against offenders. “Inconsiderate and obnoxious behaviour blights the lives of the travelling public,” Holden stated. “Taking public transport shouldn’t mean having to endure music blasted through a speaker at full volume. Passengers need to see enforcement and swift justice for those making their journeys miserable, and bus passengers need the same protections.”

The party has also indicated plans to amend the Bus Services Bill to introduce stricter rules against low-level antisocial behaviour on buses. Currently, UK railway byelaws prohibit playing music “to the annoyance of any person,” with fines of up to £1,000 possible. However, the Conservatives insist that transport operators must do more to actively enforce these regulations, ensuring that laws translate into real-world compliance rather than remaining a theoretical deterrent.

This announcement marks a notable shift from the stance of Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch earlier this year. In April, Badenoch expressed scepticism about the practicality of imposing hefty fines on individuals playing loud music on public transport, questioning whether such measures would be enforceable or effective. She said at the time, “I don’t know whether many of the people who do those things could even afford to pay £1,000 fines. I’m very much against antisocial behaviour, and I think it’s something we could look at more closely.”

The Liberal Democrats had previously called for fines of up to £1,000 for passengers creating nuisance through loud music, with party leader Sir Ed Davey commenting on the Conservatives’ adoption of a similar approach. A spokesman for Davey quipped, “At least the Conservatives are right about this, but it is perhaps ironic that Kemi Badenoch, who revealed that she told on someone cheating in an exam, is now peeking at our answers.”

The Department for Transport reiterated that strict rules already exist to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport, including fines of up to £1,000. A spokesperson added that additional measures are being introduced to support staff in handling such incidents, including mandatory training designed to equip personnel with the skills to respond to disruptive behaviour on buses and trains.

As the debate over public transport etiquette continues, passengers and transport authorities alike face a balancing act between maintaining order and ensuring practical, enforceable measures. The latest Conservative proposals signal a renewed focus on on-the-spot enforcement, aiming to make daily travel a more comfortable and respectful experience for all.