Unions welcome nationwide crackdown on anti-social behaviour on public transport

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Local authorities have been encouraged to use new powers to levy £100 fines for nuisance behaviour on buses such as littering, vaping and listening to music without headphones.

Today a campaign was launched to remind people to use headphones on trains, telling passengers to “share the journey, not the noise” or face fines of up to £1,000.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone. It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey.”

But Unite general secretary Sharon Graham warned the plans to issue fines for littering, vaping, playing loud music and threatening behaviour on public transport were still “inadequate” to tackle the abuse being experienced by transport workers daily.

She said: “Bus and tram workers are facing an avalanche of escalating abuse at work. Bus workers were deemed as critical workers during Covid and should get the same protection from violence as emergency workers.

“The government’s proposals are well meaning but wholly inadequate to tackle the challenges and violence bus workers are facing on a daily basis.

“The proposed penalties are not going to deal with the issues facing workers. Our members are demanding and deserve protections at work that these proposals do not address.”

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “Tackling antisocial behaviour such as vaping and excessive noise on public transport is a step in the right direction. 

“But the government must also urgently confront the violence, threats and abuse faced by passengers and transport workers. 

“Transport workers should not have to accept being threatened or assaulted as part of their job, and passengers should be able to travel without fear.

“Increasing the budget for British Transport Police is vital to protect people, respond to incidents and bring violent offenders to justice.

“Measures to address everyday nuisance are welcome, but they must form part of a serious commitment to safety. Ministers need to listen to the people on the front line and turn their promises into properly funded action.”

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