Story perspectives

Burnham announces £100 bus fines for antisocial behavior

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 6:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a crackdown on antisocial behaviour on buses.
Local transport authorities may impose £100 fines for vaping, loud music, littering or threatening conduct on buses.
The Department for Transport issued guidance on Monday requiring Transport Secretary sign-off before the rules take effect.
Enforcement will be carried out by officers rather than bus drivers, per the new guidance.

History

Historical Context

The UK’s Anti-Social Behaviour Act, passed in 2003 under Prime Minister Tony Blair, gave authorities powers to curb disorder on public transport. The Home Office officially said the first year saw 5,000 ASBOs issued and over 12,000 fixed-penalty notices for bus misconduct. Transport secretary Andy Burnham and the Department for Transport propose £100 fines for vaping, loud music, littering or threats on buses, echoing the 2003 law. If approved, Transport for London officers would enforce the rules, reinforcing a precedent that state agencies can regulate passenger behavior nationwide.

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Story summary

Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a crackdown on antisocial behaviour on buses.
Local transport authorities may impose £100 fines for vaping, loud music, littering or threatening conduct on buses.
The Department for Transport issued guidance on Monday requiring Transport Secretary sign-off before the rules take effect.
Enforcement will be carried out by officers rather than bus drivers, per the new guidance.

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