London bus drivers are afraid to drink water during the current heatwave because of a lack of accessible toilets, while faulty air conditioning turns their cabs into 'greenhouses,' according to Unite the Union. The union warns that temperatures inside driver cabs can exceed 40C, putting both drivers and passengers at risk.
Extreme heat warning in effect
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat in London until 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 23, escalating to a red warning for Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. Highs of 39C are expected on Wednesday and Friday, with the heatwave beginning Monday, June 22, and lasting until temperatures drop to 27C on Saturday, June 27.
Unite officials say prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can worsen fatigue, slow reactions, diminish concentration, and increase the chance of fainting at the wheel. One driver told the union: 'There is poor maintenance of buses. Heating and air conditioning never works, if it does you can't control to individual needs.' Another added: 'In the hot weather, the cabs can get unbearably hot and stuffy. It is not good for our alertness and health, as well as our customers who are suffering as well.'
Toilet access issues exacerbate problem
The situation is worsened by a lack of toilet facilities at either end of bus routes, leaving some drivers afraid to drink water when far from an adequate rest stop. Unite is calling for buses with non-functioning air conditioning or air cooling systems to be taken out of service, and for drivers to be able to report such issues without fear of repercussions from their employer. The union is also pushing for better fatigue management protocols for drivers affected by extreme heat.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'For too long London bus drivers have suffered from the effects of high temperatures while TfL and bus companies have failed to act. It is absolutely unacceptable. Every year we have the same problem during hot weather and yet no progress is being made to protect workers. This is a serious problem that risks the safety of drivers as well as millions of Londoners. It requires immediate, decisive action, which Unite will not stop fighting for.'
TfL response
Transport for London (TfL) says it has a 'comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather.' Lorna Murphy, TfL's Director of Buses, responded: 'Alongside bus operators, we take our bus drivers' safety and welfare seriously and contracts rightly require operators to meet high standards. Our bus operators have a comprehensive hot weather plan in place to protect all staff and customers during the warm weather, including air cooling systems fitted in all driver cabs. If air cooling systems on a vehicle are not functioning and drivers do not feel they can carry out their duties safely, they should contact the controller and action will be taken to support them. We encourage any driver with concerns to contact their employer, their union, or the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis Service (CIRAS) anonymously.'
