Travel · Rail, Channel & ferries · 19 October 2026
New fines and rail noise rules take effect
The Department for Transport has announced new powers for local authorities to fine bus passengers for nuisance behaviour. A national campaign also encourages rail users to keep noise down. Fines for rail offences can reach £1,000.
The Department for Transport has published new measures to address antisocial behaviour on public transport. The package includes new powers for local authorities to issue fines for nuisance behaviour on buses and a national campaign to discourage loud music on trains. These efforts were launched on 19 October 2026.
Under the plans, local authorities can issue fixed penalties of up to £100 for causing trouble on buses. On the rail network, passengers who refuse to stop making noise can be removed from the train. The maximum fine for such rail offences is £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."
The national campaign includes audio reminders of the rules across the rail network. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noted that inconsiderate actions can spoil journeys for others. The measures apply to both bus and rail passengers nationwide from the launch date.
The announcement does not specify how many fines are expected to be issued in the first year of the scheme. It also does not detail the specific criteria local authorities must meet before issuing a penalty on buses.
Written by StreetOwl from Department for Transport’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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