First Bus child-travel curfew in Stoke announced alongside wave of national transport and health data

First Bus has said that from 6:00pm on Friday 21 August children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult on its services to and from Hanley Bus Station in Stoke-on-Trent [5]. The measure, approved by the Department for Transport, follows discussions with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police and responds to anti-social behaviour at the bus station and on buses [5]. It applies while the Kids Go Free travel scheme continues across England throughout August [5]. First Bus published the update through its Bristol, Bath & West service-update feed, but said the restriction applies only in Stoke-on-Trent [5].

The announcement landed in the same 24-hour period as several national data releases [1][2][3][5]. The Office of Rail and Road published its annual regional rail usage statistics for April 2025 to March 2026, covering passenger journeys within and between regions of Great Britain [2][4]. The Department for Transport issued its first provisional release of 2026 sustainable aviation fuel mandate statistics, covering supply from January to December 2026 [1]. The UK Health Security Agency published its weekly remote health advice bulletin summarising NHS 111 calls in England [3].

The Office of Rail and Road noted that its regional rail usage statistics will be incorporated into station usage estimates from the next publication [2][4]. First Bus said the Stoke evening restriction will remain until further notice and drivers can still use discretion for vulnerable children [5].