Story perspectives

Burnham launches £100 fines campaign for nuisance transport behavior

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:20 AM UTC · How we work

Center

Union warns fines insufficient

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on October 19, 2026 a campaign to curb nuisance behaviour on public transport, introducing fines for loud music, vaping and littering.
Union leaders warned the fines won’t protect passengers or staff from rising abuse, urging broader measures.
Nexus director Kevin Storey said loud music is unacceptable and will review the bylaws' impact.
Merseyrail interim managing director Suzanne Grant said the firm will join the policy, stressing de-escalation.

Left

Public doubts enforcement

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on 19 October 2026 a campaign to curb nuisance behaviour on transport, proposing fines for loud music, vaping and littering.
Commuters expressed scepticism that the fines will be enforced and doubt the measures will improve the travel experience.
The Department for Transport issued guidance allowing authorities to levy fines to £100 on buses.
A YouGov poll showed 47 % say banning loud phone use won’t solve the problem.

Blindspot

Commuters voiced skepticism that the new £100 fines will be enforced and doubted the measures would improve the travel experience.
A YouGov poll showed 47 % said banning loud phone use would not solve the problem, though many supported a £100 fine.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After British Rail’s privatisation, Virgin Trains won the InterCity West Coast franchise in 1997 and introduced Class 390 Pendolino services in 2002 amid a costly West Coast Main Line upgrade. The Department for Transport later extended the franchise several times before it ended in 2019. The 2026 proposal to raise rail fines to £100 echoes earlier government-led efforts to curb disruptive behaviour on the same network.

1 of 4

Union warns fines insufficient

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on October 19, 2026 a campaign to curb nuisance behaviour on public transport, introducing fines for loud music, vaping and littering.
Union leaders warned the fines won’t protect passengers or staff from rising abuse, urging broader measures.
Nexus director Kevin Storey said loud music is unacceptable and will review the bylaws' impact.
Merseyrail interim managing director Suzanne Grant said the firm will join the policy, stressing de-escalation.

1 / 4