London bus riders may face £100 fines for playing loud music on public transport

London's public transport system is set to introduce fines of up to £100 for passengers who blast music or videos from their phones on buses, aiming to curb antisocial behaviour. The initiative, part of a broader campaign urging travellers to use headphones, also includes potential penalties of up to £1,000 for repeat offenders on trains. Guidance released by the Department for Transport outlines how local authorities can create and enforce these rules, which require sign-off from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and will be overseen by dedicated transport safety officers rather than drivers.

Union general secretary Sharon Graham praised the intent but said the penalties do not address the growing abuse faced by transport staff. Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Olly Glover criticised the proposal as too weak and called for higher fines and proper funding for enforcement officers.