Story perspectives

Burnham backs £1,000 fines for loud onboard music

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 11:57 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a campaign that could fine passengers up to £1,000 for playing music aloud on transport.
Councils may issue penalties for loud music, vaping and littering with Secretary Heidi Alexander’s approval.
Transport safety officers will enforce the penalties.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the proposals well-meaning but inadequate.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden warned without funding for safety officers the rules will have little effect.

History

Historical Context

Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s plan to fine loud music on buses up to £1,000 builds on the Noise Act 1996, which gave local authorities power to issue fixed-penalty notices for excessive noise. Fixed-penalty notices were first introduced in 1990 and later expanded by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, reflecting a trend that began with the U.S. Noise Control Act of 1972.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a campaign that could fine passengers up to £1,000 for playing music aloud on transport.
Councils may issue penalties for loud music, vaping and littering with Secretary Heidi Alexander’s approval.
Transport safety officers will enforce the penalties.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham called the proposals well-meaning but inadequate.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden warned without funding for safety officers the rules will have little effect.

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