Lib Dems propose £1,000 fine for playing music out loud without headphones on public transport

The Liberal Democrats have proposed a new, £1,000 fine for people who play loud music and videos from their phones on public transport in England.

According to BBC News, the use of speakers and other musical equipment that causes nuisance to other passengers on trains is already regarded as anti-social behaviour under railway bylaws.

However, the Lib Dems want to specifically target "headphone dodgers" who play music and videos loudly from their mobile phones on buses and trains.

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“Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of anti-social behaviour - and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders," says Lib Dem spokesperson Lisa Smart.

”Whether you're heading to work, taking your kids to school, or simply trying to enjoy a moment of peace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport,“ she continues. ”It's time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace.“

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According to a survey by the Lib Dems of 2,000 people in the UK, 54% of people would not feel comfortable asking another passenger on public transport to turn their music down – this figure rose to 63% of women.

While Tory Shadow Transport Minister Gareth Bacon has supported the proposals, albeit with the inclusion of more powers for British Transport Police to enforce it, the new fine is unlikely to come into action without government support.

[Via: BBC]

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter