A French passenger known only as David is embroiled in a dispute over a €200 fine he received for making a phone call on loudspeaker at Nantes train station. The incident occurred on Sunday when he was conversing with his sister. An SNCF employee approached him, initially threatening him with a €150 fine if he did not end the loudspeaker call. David, under the impression this was a joke, ended the call but claims the fine escalated to €200 after he failed to pay immediately.
SNCF, France's state-owned railway company, confirmed that their security staff issued the fine in a relatively quiet part of the station. They contended that David’s usage of a loudspeaker constituted a disturbance under France's Transport Code, which prohibits behaviour that disturbs the peace in public transport locations. It was mentioned that the fine reflected an escalation in the situation between the passenger and the staff member.
Although there is no specific national legislation against speakerphone usage in public spaces, various noise control regulations apply. David has since sought legal assistance to contest the fine he deems excessive. Surveys indicate that loud public phone conversations are widely frowned upon, with a YouGov report highlighting that 86% of adults in Great Britain find the use of speakerphones in communal settings unacceptable.
Different countries handle noise regulations on public transport in varied ways, with some imposing quiet zones on trains to foster a peaceful travelling experience. For instance, UK train services often provide designated "quiet coaches" while countries like Japan strongly discourage phone usage on transit. As public transport regulations evolve, David's case may bring renewed attention to the balance of personal communication and shared public spaces.
