Lib Dem Transport Spokesperson calls for byelaws banning ‘headphone dodging’ on buses

Back in April, Paul Kohler called on the Prime Minister to back the Lib Dems’ tougher measures for headphone dodgers on public transport. In Parliament today, Mr Kohler secured a vote in the Commons to push for measures to ensure local authorities have the explicit power to curb this form of anti-social behaviour on buses. He called on colleagues across the house to back his amendment to make bus travel safer, more civil, and more comfortable for everyone.

Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Paul Kohler MP has today called on the Government to back his party’s proposal to tackle the growing problem of so-called ‘headphone dodgers’, passengers who play loud music or videos on buses without using headphones.

Speaking in the Commons today (10th September 2025), Mr Kohler pressed colleagues to vote for his amendment giving local transport authorities the power to introduce byelaws prohibiting disruptive noise on buses.

Recent polling highlights the scale of public concern: a Savanta survey found over 75% of public transport users feel disturbed by headphone dodgers, while a separate YouGov poll showed more than 80% agree it is unacceptable.

Commenting, Mr Kohler said:

“This is not a trivial matter. Many passengers feel unsafe or uncomfortable when others play loud content on their devices without headphones. It causes genuine distress for people simply trying to travel in peace.

Liberalism, unlike libertarianism, is about responsibilities as well as rights. My right to listen to music does not override my responsibility not to disturb everyone else around me. That’s why headphones were invented.”

Mr Kohler first raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions, where Conservatives and Reform MPs mocked the proposal. Labour also voted against the amendment in Committee. However, the Conservatives have since tabled their own version of the policy, and Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary has recently called for action.

Commenting on this, Mr Kohler said:

“They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and despite their earlier mocking I welcome the Conservatives belatedly joining this cause. The Government should stop dithering and adopt this simple, practical measure to make bus travel safer, more civil, and more comfortable for everyone. The public are overwhelmingly on our side.”

ENDS

Further reading:

Paul’s PMQ can be watched here.

Paul’s amendment can be found here.

Savanta interviewed 2,188 UK adults online between 29th August and 1st September 2025. Data were weighted to be representative of the UK by age, sex, region, and social grade