Ministers face questions over enforcement of proposed £100 bus fines

The Government has announced a campaign against anti-social behaviour on buses, including playing music aloud without headphones, with proposed fines of £100. The plan has prompted questions about who will enforce the rules, as ministers say there will be no dedicated bus police and Downing Street says passengers should not intervene.

Local authorities can set and enforce rules on their bus networks, and the Department for Transport has issued guidance on using those powers. Ministers said transport safety officers, police and other authorised officers could act, but not every bus would have an officer; the Government pointed to existing officers in Greater Manchester, Leeds and the West Midlands. A union leader said the proposals would not adequately protect transport workers.