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London\u2019s new campaign urges public transport users to wear headphones instead of playing music or videos aloud, in response to growing public concern and political pressure for stricter penalties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
London\u2019s public transport users are set to see posters urging them to use headphones rather than play music or videos out loud, as part of a new campaign launched by Mayor Sadiq Khan\u2019s office. The initiative, starting on the Elizabeth line and soon extending to buses, the Docklands Light Railway, and the London Overground and Underground network, aims to reduce the nuisance caused by loud audio, which can disturb fellow passengers. The campaign is included within Transport for London\u2019s (TfL) wider Travel Kind programme, which also encourages travellers to be considerate by looking up from phones and offering seats to those in need.<\/p>\n
Seb Dance, London\u2019s deputy mayor for transport, highlighted the frustration felt by many users, saying most passengers already use headphones, but a small minority who do not can significantly disrupt travel experiences. The campaign therefore emphasises courtesy and the shared nature of public transport journeys.<\/p>\n
This move follows mounting political pressure to address the issue of loud music and conversations on public transport. Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties have called for tougher enforcement and penalties. Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall proposes amending TfL\u2019s conditions of carriage to ban loud music, speakerphone conversations, and disruptive filming, with fines reaching up to \u00a31,000 or removal from the network for offenders. Hall criticises the current environment on the Tube under Khan’s leadership and stresses the need for safe, quiet journeys for Londoners.<\/p>\n
Similarly, the Liberal Democrats support a ban on playing music and videos out loud on public transport across England, pushing for the Bus Services Bill to be amended to impose fines up to \u00a31,000 for offenders, whom they dub “headphone dodgers.” Their campaign is backed by polling showing that 38% of passengers have experienced loud music on public transport, while 54% have felt uncomfortable asking others to reduce the volume. Paul Kohler, Lib Dem transport spokesperson and Wimbledon MP, praised TfL for responding to public concern but urged the government to implement stricter enforcement measures and publicity campaigns to end the issue.<\/p>\n
The issue has also attracted attention at a national level, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelling loud audio on public transport as antisocial behaviour. Public sentiment appears largely in favour of penalties, with surveys indicating that nearly two-thirds of Londoners support fines up to \u00a31,000 for those playing music or videos out loud.<\/p>\n
Transport for London\u2019s Travel Kind campaign has previously addressed concerns such as sexual harassment and encouraged passenger behaviour that facilitates smoother and safer journeys, including moving away from train doors to allow boarding. The latest addition to the campaign reflects a broader effort to enhance passenger comfort and safety while responding to growing public and political calls for deterrents against inconsiderate noise on the capital\u2019s transport network.<\/p>\n