Yesterday evening I met a friend who works for Transport for London. After a few pints he confided in me that London Underground will be introducing fines for those found to be reading books on the tube. According to my friend who, for obvious reasons wishes to remain anonymous, there have been many accidents caused by commuters so absorbed in their reading matter they have failed to notice the person closest to them and poked them in the eye with a book, newspaper or magazine. There is also, he says an issue with people missing their stop due to being engrossed in a good (or bad) book (good and bad are, after all subjective terms).
Consequently as from today (April 1st)anyone caught reading on the tube will be subject to an on the spot fine of £5 (if paid by cash rather than card this will be reduced to £4.50). My friend believes that this will enhance the customer experience of those traveling on London Underground. Rather than taking refuge in a book or paper commuters may, actually talk to their fellow passengers! The idea does, he says have the added advantage of creating employment as a significant number of “Book Banners” will be required to enforce the policy.
What do you, my readers think of the idea? Will it work? Is it a good one? How would you feel where you to be subjected to a fine of £5 for reading on the tube?
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Yeh good one Kevin. Now pull the other one, its got bells on it! 😉
Thanks for your comment Jack. My friend had imbibed quite a considerable amount of Baccus’s juice when he confided in me but, obviously I believe him implicitly … Kevin
😉
Reblogged this on Have We Had Help? and commented:
Disclaimer – Remember what day it is today…
Thanks for sharing this important public information announcement Jack. Much appreciated. I will, in future be sure to have at least £5 in cash in my pocket when traveling on the tube …
Nice one, Kevin…though doubtless someone would think it a good idea….
Thanks Sue. As a matter of fact I have been contacted by a leading think tank with a request that I write a policy paper on this very subject …!
Any other day, I’d be inclined to believe you 😉
Many a true word is spoken in jest Sue …! Have a great weekend. Kevin
Indeed! You too Kevin.
Thank you!
That was a good one!
Thank you! Kevin
As I started to read, I thought “They can’t be serious” and then realized, “You can’t be serious” and finally “I’m a dumbass” Good one, almost had me. Enjoyed it immensely. BTW, will the policy paper be “doctoral” or “theoretical” by you?
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed my post! The paper will be theoretical and opaque in the extreme as, obviously the intention is that no one will be able to comprehend it unless they hold a PHD …! Best wishes. Kevin http://newauthoronline.com/2016/04/01/people-caught-reading-on-london-underground-to-be-fined-5-as-from-1-april/