Lib Dems propose £1,000 fines for loud phone use on London transport

Passengers using phones on loudspeaker on London buses and trains could face fines of up to £1,000 under proposals from the Liberal Democrats. The party has called for stricter enforcement of existing rules, citing growing frustration among commuters.

A survey by Transport for London (TfL) found that 70% of respondents considered loud music and phone calls without headphones a nuisance. The results were published as part of TfL’s Travel Kind campaign, which encourages considerate behaviour on the transport network.

Existing rules and enforcement

TfL said its officers already have the power to ask passengers to stop playing audio aloud. Most comply, but those who refuse can be referred for prosecution. The government confirmed that existing railway by-laws allow for fines of up to £1,000 for disruptive behaviour.

In February, transport under-secretary Keir Mather told a committee hearing he would review enforcement of the by-laws. The Department for Transport later said it expected rail operators to use their existing powers. The Bus Services Act, passed in October, also gives local authorities tools to address nuisance passengers.

Generational divide in attitudes

Experts say loudcasting, using phones without headphones, is more common among younger passengers. An Ofcom survey in August 2022 found that 83% of 13-to-17-year-olds saw no issue with watching videos aloud, compared with 73% for music and 69% for video calls.

Professor Harry Witchel, a physiology expert at the University of Sussex, said loudcasting is a way for young people to express independence. He told the BBC it reflects a shift in social norms, particularly after the pandemic, when public etiquette declined.

Dr Rachael Kent, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, said loudcasting can be a social activity for young people travelling together. She described it as performative, a way to express identity and rebel against norms.

Tech firms stay silent

The BBC contacted Apple, Samsung, Meta, and TikTok to ask about their response to loudcasting. None of the companies provided a comment. The Liberal Democrats suggested tech firms could help by providing headphones at stations or including them with new devices.

Mobile data use in the UK has risen by 13% year-on-year, according to Ofcom. The rollout of 5G and cheaper data packages mean more people can stream content in public, increasing the likelihood of loudcasting.

What happens next

The Department for Transport said it expects rail operators to enforce existing rules. TfL’s Travel Kind campaign will continue to remind passengers to use headphones. The Liberal Democrats have not yet tabled their proposal as a formal amendment to transport legislation.