First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder

Under-15s are now prohibited from traveling alone on certain bus routes in Stoke-on-Trent after 6 p.m., according to local authorities. The rule applies to 32 bus services operated by First Bus in the area. The policy was implemented following reports of rising anti-social behavior among young passengers, particularly around Hanley Bus Station. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult to use these services during the evening hours. The restriction took effect on Friday and was sanctioned by the Department for Transport after consultations with Staffordshire Police and Stoke-on-Trent City Council. The move aims to address safety concerns raised by local officials and transportation providers. Rebecca Arrowsmith, general manager of First Bus, noted that there had been an uptick in incidents involving unaccompanied minors at the bus station and on board vehicles. She emphasized that the safety of both staff and passengers is a top priority and that the company would continue to monitor the situation closely. Drivers have been instructed to use their judgment when encountering unaccompanied children, allowing them to make decisions based on individual circumstances. This flexibility means that while the rule is generally enforced, exceptions may be made in specific cases. Arrowsmith added that the council fully supports the measure and that efforts are underway to assess whether the restriction can be lifted before long-term changes are considered. The temporary ban coincides with a national initiative offering free bus travel for children aged five to 15, which is set to expire at the end of August. Simon Mathieson, regional director for First Bus in the East and Midlands, acknowledged the challenges posed by the free travel program. He stated that the company had observed a significant increase in usage of the service, which he described as positive. However, he expressed regret over the necessity of imposing the restriction, emphasizing the importance of public transport and urging passengers to exercise common sense while using the system. Mathieson highlighted that the recent favorable weather conditions have encouraged more people to travel by bus, contributing to higher ridership. He stressed that the company hopes to remove the restriction once the free travel offer concludes, provided that safety concerns are adequately addressed. His comments were shared with BBC Radio Stoke, underscoring the ongoing dialogue between transportation operators and local authorities regarding the balance between accessibility and security. Staffordshire Police have been actively involved in discussions surrounding the implementation of the new rules. They cited the need to manage anti-social behavior effectively, particularly in areas where youth activity has led to disruptions. The police department has worked alongside local councils and transport agencies to develop measures that protect both young travelers and the broader community. While the current restrictions apply specifically to evening bus services, officials have indicated that further adjustments could be made depending on the outcomes of ongoing assessments. As the free travel initiative nears its end, the focus will shift toward evaluating the effectiveness of the current measures and determining whether permanent changes should be enacted. Local authorities and transportation providers remain committed to ensuring safe and accessible public transport options for all residents. The situation underscores the complex interplay between public policy, community needs, and operational realities within urban transport systems.