Lib Dems push vote on banning loud music on public transport as new poll reveals impact of “headphone dodgers” on commuters

EMBARGO: 1800 Wednesday 10 September

•⁠  ⁠New poll reveals some commuters have changed carriages or avoided using public transport because of scourge of passengers playing loud music without headphones

•⁠  ⁠The Liberal Democrats will put the measure to a Commons vote at 6pm today, to finally crack down on headphone dodging on public transport

A new poll for the Liberal Democrats has revealed the consequences of antisocial passengers playing loud music on commuters, as the party puts its amendment to Parliament this evening on its proposals to crack down on headphone dodging.

2 in 5 (38%) adults who have experienced headphone dodging say that antisocial behaviour has prevented them from relaxing or resting whilst travelling.

A further 1 in 4 (26%) have stopped reading, working or concentrating as a result, whilst 1 in 5 (19%) have actively moved seats or carriages to avoid headphone dodgers and 12% say they have avoided taking public transport on some occasions.

Another 15% of adults said instances of people playing videos or music out loud on public transport has created tension or arguments between passengers, while 13% said it made them feel unsafe or anxious.

The Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Transport Paul Kohler said it was “a daily disruption for millions” and that “it’s time to end the noise”.

The Liberal Democrats have campaigned for months to change the law to ban playing music and videos out loud from a phone on public transport in England, with those who breach the ban facing fines of up to £1,000. The party would promote the move with a national publicity campaign to raise public awareness about the ban.

The party has introduced an amendment to the Bus Services Bill, which will be voted on from 6pm this evening. It would give local authorities powers to ban loud music from phones on public transport. It comes after the Conservatives shifted from their initial opposition to the proposed fines when party leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the policy on the grounds that it would not work. Since then, shadow Transport Secretary, Richard Holden, came out in support of the Liberal Democrats' call.

On the back of Liberal Democrat campaigning, Transport for London (TfL) recently announced a new public awareness campaign to target headphone dodgers.

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Paul Kohler said:

“Antisocial behaviour like headphone dodging blights the travel of millions of commuters across the country.

“This isn't a minor inconvenience, it's a daily disruption for millions. It's time to end the noise.

“The Liberal Democrats want tough action on headphone dodgers to ensure every passenger feels safe and respected. We urge the Government and all parties to join us in supporting this vital amendment and finally bring an end to commutes filled with dread.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Methodology: Savanta interviewed 2,188 UK adults online between 29th August and 1st September 2025. Data were weighted to be representative of the UK by age, sex, region, and social grade

Link to Bus Services Bill amendment paper, and the headphone dodgers amendment 10, tabled by Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson, Paul Kohler MP, on page 36 https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/59-01/0273/amend/busservices_rm_rep_0905.pdf