Sadiq Khan Launches Campaign to Curb Loud Music on Public Transport

Mayor Sadiq Khan has initiated a campaign aimed at reducing disturbances caused by loud music on London’s public transport. Beginning on October 31, 2023, posters will appear on the Elizabeth line, urging travellers to use headphones when enjoying audio content. This campaign is part of the broader Travel Kind initiative by Transport for London (TfL), which aims to promote considerate behaviour among passengers.

The rollout of this message will extend to London’s buses, the Docklands Light Railway, and both the Overground and Underground networks in the coming weeks. The initiative addresses growing concerns regarding the loud use of personal devices in confined spaces, a topic that has gained political attention recently.

Seb Dance, the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport, stated, “The vast majority of Londoners use headphones when travelling on public transport in the capital, but the small majority who play music or videos out loud can be a real nuisance to other passengers and directly disturb their journeys.” He highlighted the importance of maintaining a pleasant travel environment for all.

In addition to the headphone campaign, TfL plans to launch a second series of posters encouraging passengers to remain aware of others who may require seating. This reflects a holistic approach to improving the public transport experience, focusing on courtesy and consideration.

The Travel Kind campaign has previously addressed issues such as sexual harassment and the importance of moving down inside Tube carriages to allow more people to board. The timing of this campaign coincides with recent calls from the Conservative Party, advocating for a formal ban on loud music on buses.

Richard Holden, the Shadow Transport Secretary, expressed frustration over the disruptive behaviour, stating that passengers should not endure “somebody else’s choice of crap music.”

The Conservative Party is also pushing for railway operators to enforce regulations against loud music, proposing on-the-spot fines for violators. Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have advocated for even stricter measures, including fines of up to £1,000 for those who do not comply with headphone etiquette on public transport.

Paul Kohler, the Lib Dems’ transport spokesperson and MP for Wimbledon, remarked, “I’m pleased Transport for London is listening to the Liberal Democrats. We’ve been campaigning on this issue for a number of months and I’m glad TfL and others are finally paying attention to our campaign.” He emphasized the negative impact loud audio has on the travel experience, calling it thoughtless and sometimes intimidating.

Kohler further urged the government to implement tougher measures, including fixed penalty notices across all public transport networks, alongside a comprehensive publicity campaign to end the issue of “headphone dodging.”

As the campaign unfolds, it will be closely monitored by both passengers and transport officials, with hopes that increased awareness will lead to a more pleasant commuting experience for all Londoners.