Would fines help stop 'quite intimidating' behaviour on public transport?
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a crackdown on anti-social behaviour on trains, buses and trams in England.
Anyone who plays music loudly, vape, litter or threaten other people could face a fine of £100.
On Lunchtime Live, listener Aoife said she would welcome a focus on tackling anti-social behaviour in Ireland.
“I just find it a little bit funny in a way that it's the loud music that they're focusing on, rather than, like, overall safety on public transport,” she said.
“I don't know about you, but if you've been on certain Luasanna at certain times, or even the buses, some of that anti-social behaviour can be quite intimidating - especially as a woman travelling on her own.”
Public transport in Dublin. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie. Unlike in the United Kingdom, where the British Transport Police have legal powers to step in and tackle anti-social behaviour, Ireland lacks a dedicated Garda unit to police public transport.
It has left Aoife wondering how public safety can be improved.
“How are you going to protect the people that approach this anti-social behaviour if there's a gang of young fellas?” she asked.
“Yes, obviously you have the inspectors and you have the security guards that pop on and off the Luas.
“But I have been on multiple public forms of public transport where I don't necessarily feel safe.
“Don't get me wrong, it's very annoying when someone's listening to a video full blast.
“But why is that the measure that they're actioning, not the safety concerns that so many of us are dealing with?”
Main image: A Garda standing next to a Luas. Picture by: RollingNews.ie.
