Andy Burnham Launches Campaign Against Loud Music on Transport

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a nationwide campaign on Monday to combat passengers who play loud music or videos on public transport without headphones. The initiative, which uses the slogan "share the carriage, not the noise," includes a poster campaign and new guidance for local transport authorities.

Under the Bus Services Act, local authorities may now levy fines of up to £100 for non-compliance on buses. While train operating companies already have the power to issue fines up to £1,000, these new measures specifically target bus travel. Enforcement will be carried out by police or transport safety officers to ensure drivers are not responsible for issuing penalties.

The move follows polling showing approximately 60% of voters support the actions. However, Sharon Graham of the Unite union criticized the proposals, arguing that the penalties are inadequate to address the broader challenges and violence that bus workers face daily.