TfL criticised for lax nuisance noise enforcement

Transport for London (TfL) faced significant backlash for prosecuting only four passengers for noise violations since 2020, resulting in just three fines totaling £705. The Liberal Democrats criticized this enforcement record and called for stricter penalties, while Reform UK labeled it a "dire record of enforcement. " TfL defended its approach, stating that the vast majority of customers are considerate and that enforcement is a last resort. An FOI request revealed two additional warnings issued in 2021 and 2023. In August, TfL launched a campaign promoting headphone use on the Tube, following research that found 70% of customers find loud music and phone conversations disruptive.

Despite this, TfL confirmed that no extra enforcement officers would be deployed as part of the campaign. Critics, including Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari, argue that fines and real consequences are necessary to ensure compliance with noise rules. Reform UK Assembly Member Alex Wilson added that the low number of prosecutions indicates a "pattern of lawlessness" on TfL services.