The Liberal Democrats are calling for ‘headphone dodgers’ – people who play loud music on public transport – to be fined up to £1,000.

Some forms of anti-social behaviour are already banned on trains and buses, but the Lib Dems want to introduce a specific ban on people playing music and videos out loud without using headphones.

A poll commissioned by the party found that 38% of the 2,000 participants asked had experienced people playing music out loud on public transport on a regular basis, and more than half (54%) say they wouldn’t feel comfortable asking somebody to turn down their music.

The party now wants to introduce a change to the Bus Services Bill, which is going through Parliament at the moment. It also wants to see a national campaign to crack down on headphone dodging, which would include posters at train stations and bus stops.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Lisa Smart said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport.”

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