UK Launches Nationwide Campaign Urging Passengers to Use Headphones
The UK government has launched a set of measures to prevent noise and antisocial behaviour on public transport, including a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. The announcement was published on 19 October 2026 under the title "Share the journey, not the noise".
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the campaign, which is aimed at people listening to music or videos without headphones on public transport, The New York Times reported. Burnham launched the campaign against what The Guardian described as "headphone dodgers". The paper reported that the campaign urges passengers to "share the carriage, not the noise."
The Guardian also reported that guidance accompanying the campaign sets out £100 penalties for nuisance behaviour on public transport involving audio played without headphones. The government's measures also include new powers for local leaders.
The campaign follows earlier efforts in London. In August 2025, Transport for London launched its own campaign encouraging customers to use headphones, citing research that a majority of customers find loud content disruptive. London Assembly papers from a July 2026 session record the Mayor of London asking all Londoners to respect each other on public transport, wear headphones, and be aware of disrupting other passengers.
The national campaign now extends that request beyond the capital. Its wider reach across the country was set out in the government's announcement, which describes it as a nationwide effort.
