Stoke-on-Trent Children Under 15 Face Evening Bus Travel Restrictions

Children aged 15 and under are now facing restrictions on travelling alone on certain buses in Stoke-on-Trent following a rise in reports of anti-social behaviour.

First Bus introduced the restriction from 6pm on Friday, August 21. Under the new rules, children aged 15 and under travelling on services to and from Hanley Bus Station must be accompanied by an adult after 6pm. The measure currently affects 32 services and will remain in place until further notice.

The decision follows what First Bus described as a growing number of incidents of anti-social behaviour at Hanley Bus Station and on buses. The company said the safety of passengers and staff was its priority and that the restriction would be reviewed daily, with the hope of ending it as soon as possible.

The restriction comes during the Government's summer free bus travel scheme, which allows children aged five to 15 to travel for free on participating services throughout August. The scheme was introduced to help families with the cost of getting around during the school holidays.

First Bus said the decision was made following discussions with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police and was approved by the Department for Transport.

Drivers have also been given discretion in situations where an unaccompanied child's safety could be a concern, meaning they may still allow a young person to travel where appropriate.

The restriction has prompted criticism, with concerns that children who have behaved appropriately are being affected by the actions of a minority.

For families using buses across Stoke-on-Trent, the change means that children aged 15 and under travelling alone after 6pm on affected First Bus services should check the latest arrangements before setting off.

The free bus travel scheme is currently due to end on August 31, although First Bus has indicated it hopes the evening restriction can be removed sooner.

Six Towns Daily will continue to follow developments and provide updates on any changes to the restrictions.