The U.K. government issued guidance Monday, Oct. 19, on how local transport authorities in England can use bus byelaws to address nuisance, while announcing a rail campaign to promote headphone use on trains.
Under the Bus Services Act 2025, authorities can make byelaws for specified local bus services and facilities, with fixed penalties capped at £100. The powers took effect Aug. 5 and apply to services covered by a franchising scheme or enhanced partnership. Authorities must publish proposed rules for public comment for at least 28 days, consider responses and obtain the Secretary of State’s confirmation before the byelaws take effect.
The guidance covers loud music, littering, vaping and threatening behavior. Enforcement will fall to authorized officers, such as transport safety officers and police, rather than bus drivers. Officers are directed to engage passengers, explain the rule and its impact, then enforce it if a passenger refuses to comply.
On rail, National Railway Byelaw 7 already restricts sound equipment used in a way that annoys others. The government said passengers who refuse an authorized staff member’s request to stop may be removed at the next station or prosecuted. The Department for Transport told Parliament that breaches of railway byelaws can carry fines of up to £1,000.
The government expects most operators to carry the headphone message online, in stations and carriages, and through announcements. It said the industry-led campaign is intended to give passengers a consistent reminder across rail companies, replacing separate operator efforts. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it would remind passengers “to use headphones on trains.” The announcement set no end date or targets for measuring the campaign’s effect.
Ben Plowden, chief executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said nuisance can discourage people, especially passengers with accessibility needs, from using public transport. For bus rules to take effect, each authority must complete its consultation and secure confirmation from the Secretary of State.
