TfL Faces Criticism Over Low Prosecution Rates for Noisy Passengers

Transport for London (TfL) has taken action against noisy passengers on public transport only four times since 2020, raising concerns about passenger comfort and enforcement effectiveness. According to data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, TfL has prosecuted a mere four individuals for violations related to loud phone conversations and audio played on devices.

TfL’s byelaws prohibit any sound that annoys other passengers, which includes phone conversations on speaker mode and loud music. Despite these regulations, only three fines totaling £705 have been imposed. In one case, the individual had already returned to their home country, limiting any enforcement action. Additionally, two warnings were issued in 2021 and 2023.

In response to growing complaints, TfL launched a campaign in August 2023, encouraging passengers to use headphones while on the Tube. This initiative followed research indicating that 70 percent of customers find noisy behaviours disruptive. Despite this, TfL has clarified that there will be no increase in enforcement officers to monitor compliance. The focus remains on raising awareness rather than implementing stricter enforcement measures.

The low prosecution rate has led to renewed calls for tougher action. Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari expressed disbelief that only four prosecutions have occurred over five years. She stated, “It’s astonishing that in five years TfL has only issued two warnings and four prosecutions for people blaring out noise, given every Londoner knows this is a daily nuisance.” Bokhari advocates for stronger penalties to address the issue effectively.

In a similar vein, Reform UK Assembly Member Alex Wilson criticized TfL’s handling of the situation, claiming that the authority’s lack of enforcement undermines the effectiveness of its campaign. He stated, “Their dire record of enforcement leaves me with no faith at all that their recent campaign encouraging passengers to wear headphones is anything but a request to troublemakers.”

TfL’s spokesperson maintained that the majority of passengers are considerate, using headphones when making calls or streaming content. The spokesperson noted that enforcement is considered a last resort, emphasizing that officers typically engage with passengers first to encourage compliance. If necessary, enforcement actions may include denying travel or removing disruptive individuals from the network.

The details of the prosecutions highlight the challenges TfL faces in enforcing its byelaws:

– **2020/21**: A fine of £220 was issued for singing at King’s Cross St Pancras station.
– **2021/22**: No further action was taken due to insufficient evidence; a warning was issued at Tottenham Court Road station.
– **2022/23**: A case was withdrawn from court as the defendant had returned to their home country.
– **2023/24**: A fine of £445 was issued for disruptive singing at Seven Sisters station, while another individual received a £40 fine after pleading guilty.

While TfL’s recent awareness campaign aims to address these issues, the overall enforcement record raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures in ensuring a comfortable travel environment for all passengers. As discussions continue, many passengers and officials alike are calling for more decisive actions to enhance the travel experience on London’s public transport system.