A vigorous debate over whether it’s ever acceptable to put your feet up on a train seat is raging online.
Former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley kicked off the debate on Monday after spotting a fellow commuter indulging in the controversial activity.
The GB News commentator decided to expose the perpetrator on X, posting a picture of their legs unfurled out on the seat opposite.
Accompanying the picture with the caption: ‘Self-entitled trash’, it is clear which side of the debate Bleksley falls on.
Online users were more divided, with one person writing: “There are more important issues than people putting feet’s on seats…”
A second user even admitted that they “do this when I’m on a train if the seat is free but I take my shoes off first”.
Others are less forgiving, with a third user writing: “No wonder the seats are knackered”, while another tweeted that train carriages “should have a few signs saying feet on seats is £50 fine. They would probably ignore it, but at least it’s a start”.
GB News wants to know what YOU think of the commuter habit. Should it be allowed?
What is clear from the debate is that people seem to be unclear about what the rules are and who should enforce them.
Is it merely etiquette or a criminal offence?
Whether it’s a crime to put your feet up on a seat on a train depends on the specific by-laws or regulations of the train operator
Some train companies, like Merseyrail, have by-laws in place that prohibit putting feet on seats. Passengers who break the by-law may be approached by enforcement teams and fined up to £50, though it could be higher depending on how the situation is handled.
If your action disrupts other passengers or is seen as anti-social behaviour, you might be subject to harsher penalties under broader laws like the Public Order Act or the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Enforcement largely depends on whether train staff or British Transport Police decide to act. They might issue a warning first or directly apply a penalty.
To get precise information:
- Check the specific train operator’s website for their by-laws or terms of service regarding passenger behaviour. Operators like Network Rail or individual companies like Virgin Trains or Southern Rail might have these rules listed.
- British Transport Police might also offer guidance on what behaviours are considered criminal or punishable on trains.
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