UK cracks down on loud music and vaping on public transport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 10:37 · Archive

UK authorities can now fine passengers up to £100 on buses and £1,000 on trains for antisocial behaviour.

The UK government has launched new rules to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport, part of a nationwide 'share the carriage, not the noise' campaign. Under powers introduced by the Bus Services Act 2025, local authorities across England can now issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for littering, playing music or videos loudly, vaping, and displaying threatening behaviour on buses. Train passengers face potential fines of up to £1,000 if asked to stop by authorised rail officers and they refuse to comply.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that small changes in behaviour can make a significant difference to people's experience on public transport. Prime Minister Andy Burnham added that giving local leaders new powers to tackle these issues would improve journeys for all passengers.

Enforcement will not fall to bus drivers themselves. Instead, authorised officers including Transport Safety Officers and police will handle incidents through a three-step approach: engaging with the individual, explaining the rules and their consequences, and taking enforcement action if they refuse to comply. The legal powers to address nuisance behaviour on buses came into effect across England on 5 August 2026.

How it is being reported

• Loud music, vaping and littering on public transport targeted in crackdownBus passengers in England could face £100 fines for antisocial behaviour, while train passengers risk penalties of up to £1,000 under Government measures.This Is Local London · 19 Oct, 09:47
• Hefty new fines to be handed out to train passengers playing loud music, vaping or litteringPassengers could face fines for playing music out loud, vaping, or littering on public transportMyLondon · 19 Oct, 07:26

In this story: UK government · Andy Burnham · Heidi Alexander · England · Department for Transport

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