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

Company says decision comes after spate of antisocial behaviour since free travel scheme was introduced

For some, it is a quotidian nuisance that inevitably occurs when you are in the vicinity of teenagers. For others, it is an expression of modern-day lawlessness among young people.

Whatever view you take, antisocial behaviour on public transport has become a hot debate – and with the introduction of free bus travel for kids aged 5 to 15 across England during August, matters have come to a head in Staffordshire.