Letting 13-year-old out after dark

[ReanimatedSGB]

We live in a place with a tram network. There is a tram stop 5 mins walk from the house. DS (13 and a half) has always been obsessed with trams (and buses and trains) and sometimes likes to go and watch the trams. Because it's so close to the house and because he thoroughly understands that he must not annoy people or go off with anyone, I have let him do this for a year or two now. When he was 10 people sometimes used to send him home, but haven't had any trouble for ages. Until a neighbour banged on the door to tell me he was there ALONE and shouldn't be, and that 'people were worried'. So I hauled him back home and told him he can only tramspot in the daylight. Who IBU here?

At 13? I was camping in makeshift shelter in woods as part of my scouts activities. Watching some public transport would have been easier.

My 14 year old goes out in the dark but only to meet up with other kids at the bus stop if they are going somewhere, or en route to friends houses. I wouldn't be keen on him hanging around alone tbh.

13? I was staying out all evening, getting trains across London at that age. Gosh people mollycoddle kids these days

I let him travel alone (he's a great one for exploring the local transport routes). I think that other people freak out at the idea of seeing a teenager alone, hanging about. I trust him, but I'm a bit bothered at the idea that meddling neighbours might call the police to send him home or something.