Classical music mellows train stations

LONDON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The sound of classical music has reduced violence at underground rail stations in London.

The London Underground says thugs have been driven away from spots where the music is played, Sky News reported Sunday.

In the 18 months since classical selections have been playing on compact disc players wired to speakers at several Tube stations, instances of physical and verbal abuse have dropped by one third. The music has also reduced the number of youngsters hanging around stations.

Eventually all stations will be able to play the music on digital voice announcement systems which are being installed.