Should You Be Fined $1,000 for Playing Music Out Loud on Public Transport?

A political party in England is pushing for tougher penalties on so-called “headphone dodgers”, commuters who play music or videos out loud on public transport. They propose fines of up to £1,000 ($2,000 AUD) for those who disturb fellow passengers by not using headphones.

While laws already prohibit many forms of anti-social behaviour, including playing audio that annoys others without permission, the Liberal Democrats want the law to go further. They’re calling for a specific ban on playing sound from mobile phones on trains and buses in England.

A spokesperson from the Department for Transport responded: “There are already strict rules in place to prevent anti-social behaviour on public transport, including possible fines of up to £1,000.”

In addition, the government is rolling out new initiatives to address disruptive behaviour on buses, such as mandatory training for staff on how to handle such situations.

Some people are all for it. Others think it’s a bit extreme. “I don’t like hearing someone else’s music,” Asa said. “But $1,000? That feels like a lot.”

What Do You Think? Should Australia follow the UK’s lead? Listen to the full story below.